Apocalyptic Political Theology - (Political Theologies) by Thomas Lynch (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Hegel's philosophy of religion contains an implicit political theology. When viewed in connection with his wider work on subjectivity, history and politics, this political theology is a resource for apocalyptic thinking. In a world of climate change, inequality, oppressive gender roles and racism, Hegel can be used to theorise the hope found in the end of that world.

Histories of apocalyptic thinking draw a line connecting the medieval prophet Joachim of Fiore and Marx. This line passes through Hegel, who transforms the relationship between philosophy and theology by philosophically employing theological concepts to critique the world. Jacob Taubes provides an example of this Hegelian political theology, weaving Christianity, Judaism and philosophy to develop an apocalypticism that is not invested in the world. Taubes awaits the end of the world knowing that apocalyptic destruction is also a form of creation. Catherine Malabou discusses this relationship between destruction and creation in terms of plasticity. Using plasticity to reformulate apocalypticism allows for a form of apocalyptic thinking that is immanent and materialist.

Together Hegel, Taubes and Malabou provide the resources for thinking about why the world should end. The resulting apocalyptic pessimism is not passive, but requires an active refusal of the world.

Review Quotes

This exciting new book in the field of political theology provides a helpful reading of the often-denigrated figure of Hegel, the often-glossed figure of Taubes, and the work of Malabou-who has not-to my knowledge-been read as an aid to political theology.
Reading Religion

This is the book political theology has been waiting for: a superb orientation in the field, which also sets out a compelling argument for the end of the world as we know it.

Thomas Lynch is emerging as an original and creative voice in Continental Philosophy of Religion. In this book, he brilliantly situates Jacob Taubes between Hegel and Malabou to create an apocalyptic political theology. Anyone interested in these topics or figures has to read this book!

About the Author

Thomas Lynch is Senior Lecturer in Philosophy of Religion at the University of Chichester, UK.