Heidegger and Theology

by Judith Wolfe, Judith Wolfe

Martin Heidegger is the 20th century theology philosopher with the greatest importance to theology. A cradle Catholic originally intended for the priesthood, Heidegger's studies in philosophy led him to turn first to Protestantism and then to an atheistic philosophical method. Nevertheless, his writings remained deeply indebted to theological themes and sources, and the question of the nature of his relationship with theology has been a subject of discussion ever since.

This book offers theologians and philosophers alike a clear account of the directions and the potential of this debate. It explains Heidegger's key ideas, describes their development and analyses the role of theology in his major writings, including his lectures during the National Socialist era. It reviews the reception of Heidegger's thought both by theologians in his own day (particularly in Barth and his school as well as neo-Scholasticism) and more recently (particularly in French phenomenology), and concludes by offering directions for theology's possible future engagement with Heidegger's work.

Genres: Philosophy

256 pages, Paperback

First published August 29, 2013

About the author

Judith Wolfe is Tutor in Theology at St John's College in the University of Oxford.

Reviews

[Paul Ataua · Rating 3 out of 5]

‘Heidegger and Theology’ is a book that certainly wasn’t written for someone who was interested in knowing more about Heidegger or Theology. It seemed to be written for someone who had expert knowledge in both fields but needed to join the dots. I got so much from the book, but really had to work hard. I now have a better understanding of the origins of much of Heidegger’s thinking and thank the book for that. Nothing came easily, however, and even when the author made a concession to those who hadn’t come from a theological background, the explanation that followed seemed written for some one who just needed reminding rather than someone who was new to it.

[SebastianC · Rating 4 out of 5]

Erudite and contextualising, 'Heidegger and theology' takes the reader from Heidegger's early engagement with theology (first Catholic, then Protestant) to theology's still current engagement with Heidegger. The author demonstrates an understanding of both theology and philosophy, which makes the book open to and interesting for readers coming from both perspectives. To me, the simple but most enduring insight from the book would be the danger of mistaking analogies between Christian and Heideggerian thought as identities, and why this is a mistake. Nevertheless, the author also addresses (and leaves open) many questions about the relationship between the two perspectives that remain unresolved and that could offer viable routes for continued thought. One such route could be the one that leads back to the Christian origins; because, as Heidegger wrote (as quoted by Wolfe in English translation, p. 198): "Paths of thought bear in them the mystery that we can walk them forward and backward - indeed, that often the way back alone leads forward."