Jean-Luc Nancy after the Theological Turn: A Phenomenology of Kenosis

Nikolaas Cassidy-Deketelaere provides a novel and profound reading of Jean-Luc Nancy’s deconstruction of Christianity in the context of French phenomenology’s ‘theological turn’. Deftly exploring Nancy’s work alongside major contemporary phenomenologists including Jean-Luc Marion, Michel Henry, Jean-Louis Chrétien and Emmanuel Falque, Jean-Luc Nancy after the Theological Turn argues that only by turning to theology can phenomenology come into its own as philosophy. Following Derrida’s treatment of Nancy, Cassidy-Deketelaere thinks ‘after’ the theological turn by deconstructing phenomenology’s inherent theological structure which made that turn possible; starting from the theological turn, this book seeks to move beyond it, that is, to ‘de-theologise’ phenomenology. This approach parallels Nancy’s engagement with Christianity: drawing on Paul’s kenosis – according to which God empties himself of his divinity in the Incarnation – Nancy understands Christianity as deconstructing or de-theologising itself. Written in elegant and clear prose, this volume clarifies the phenomenological and theological consequences of one the most influential modern thinkers’ philosophy.