God Is Unconscious: Psychoanalysis and Theology

by Tad DeLay

Sailing into New York Harbor, Sigmund Freud stood on the deck and gazed upon a statue that was meant to symbolize someone else's vague notion of freedom. The embryonic field of psychology--so very interested to hear this theory, which excavated the depths of the psyche--anticipated his arrival in America with lamentably eager fanfare. Whether out of hubris or prescience Freud could only whisper, "They don't realize we are bringing them the plague."

It was a theory that undercut our creative justifications for every action and belief, and it suggested our anxious identities are charted by a big Other--one we cannot begin to comprehend. As psychoanalysis undergoes a resurgence of interest within religious studies, political theory, and cultural criticism, its innovative and peculiar claims remain difficult to grasp without any guide for the perplexed. In God Is Unconscious: Psychoanalysis and Theology, Tad DeLay explores the provocative teaching of psychoanalyst Jacques Lacan and its implications for Christianity. Partly an introductory exposition of Freud, Žižek, and Lacan, and partly an application of psychoanalysis to religion and politics, this book is organized as a theological meditation on an incendiary theory.

"Slow reading can bear fruits that are inaccessible to those who merely skim an author. DeLay has read Lacan diligently and searchingly, and he has come up with some important insights into the complex relationship of psychoanalysis, religion, and theology. Students of religion will profit from his clear and careful exposition of Lacan's rich and provocative thought. And students of Lacan will come to understand why only theologians can be truly atheistic: Our loyalties for deities come and go, but the true Other is neither in need of defense nor threatened by our disloyalties."
--Ingolf U. Dalferth, Danforth Professor of Philosophy of Religion, Claremont Graduate University

"Tad Delay has bravely explored and mapped the notoriously difficult territory of Lacan that others have only dared to read about second-hand. We should not only salute his courage, but be hugely grateful for the gifts he has returned with in this rich and important book at the bleeding edge of psychoanalysis and theology."
--Kester Brewin, author of After Magic

"God is Unconscious is a brilliant and accessible overview of Lacan's thought, demonstrating how it directly applies to religion and politics. Delay develops an original understanding of perversion, and how it applies to contemporary conservative Christianity. Anyone interested in understanding how religion works in social, political, and psychological terms should read this book."
--Clayton Crockett, Professor and Director of Religious Studies, University of Central Arkansas

Tad DeLay is a PhD student of philosophy of religion at Claremont Graduate University and holds an MA in theology and Biblical studies from Fuller Theological Seminary.

Genres: Theology, Psychoanalysis, Philosophy, Psychology, Religion, Nonfiction

164 pages, Paperback

First published March 19, 2015

About the author

Tad DeLay, PhD is a philosopher, religion scholar, and interdisciplinary critical theorist. His books include Future of Denial: The Ideologies of Climate Change (2024), Against: What Does the White Evangelical Want? (2019), The Cynic & the Fool (2017), and God Is Unconscious (2015). He is an Assistant Professor of Philosophy in Baltimore.

Reviews

[Yanxi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A rich collection of insights organized in what I would call an almost poetry like fashion — not following any strictly linear progression of thought set out to defend an agenda, but guiding the reader gently through an abundance of source materials, commentaries, and observations not so much to convince as to inspire and challenge, leaving room for interpretation that will reward an open mind rather than a closed one. True to the author’s word, this is a book that speaks at what it means, and because of that I’m sure it will stand up well to re-reading.

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's been awhile since I had to keep looking up terms in a dictionary but the amount of psychoanalytic terminology needed to keep up with this book was substantial. This is also a book that I'll need to reread and have in the back of my mind when listening to interviews and conversations on the radical theology end of the podcastsphere. Kinda like Lacan this is a book to be read and let it go to work on you. Ill be coming back to this one. For a good intro to Tad Delay and his work check out his interview on The Deconstructionists podcast. That interview got me to buy both of Tad's book. Highly recommended for those interested in Radical Theology, psychology, politics, religion, and seeking understanding of the complexity that lies beneath our certainties.

[Geoff Glenister · Rating 3 out of 5]

One reviewer wrote that this book is difficult if you aren't already familiar with psychoanalysis - I'd concur, and say that without already understanding some of that terminology there will be sections that the reader just "doesn't get" (myself included). And DeLay at times does a good job of explaining for the uninitiated, and at other times slips into vocabulary that is not so intelligible (for the layman). Nevertheless, as a layman who struggled with this book, there were many gems in this book - sections and quotes that made the experience absolutely worth it for me.

[Tony · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nice introduction to Lacan. Very accessible.

[Lonnie Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Is this book good? Is it worth your time? Who is to say, but it affected me deeply.