The Prayers and Tears of Jacques Derrida: Religion Without Religion

by John D. Caputo

"Caputo's book is riveting.... A singular achievement of stylistic brio and impeccable scholarship, it breaks new ground in making a powerful case for treating Derrida as homo religiosis.... There can be no mistaking the importance of Caputo's work." --Edith Wyschogrod

"No one interested in Derrida, in Caputo, or in the larger question of postmodernism and religion can afford to ignore this pathbreaking study. Taking full advantage of the most recent and least discussed writings of Derrida, it offers a careful and comprehensive account of the religious dimension of Derrida's thought." --Merold Westphal

Genres: Philosophy, Theology, Religion, Theory, Nonfiction, American, 20th Century

416 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1997

About the author

John D. Caputo is an American philosopher who is the Thomas J. Watson Professor of Religion Emeritus at Syracuse University and the David R. Cook Professor of Philosophy Emeritus at Villanova University. Caputo is a major figure associated with Postmodern Christianity, Continental Philosophy of Religion, as well as the founder of the theological movement known as weak theology. Much of Caputo's work focuses on hermeneutics, phenomenology, deconstruction and theology.

Reviews

[katie]

Definitely the most resourceful coverage of Derridean philosophy (concentrating in topics of God, Aporia, the impossible, Messianism, and Apocalyptic texts), written in an easier (though not easy) form and structure. I relied on this book heavily while writing my thesis, and Caputo really helped me get to know the material. Would recommend to anyone interested in a quality secondary source on Derrida.

[Joe Spencer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Caputo yet again reinvents an American-liberal version of Derrida in terms of religion.

[Pallabi Basu]

I am interested in Derrida