New Course: Christian Atheism

The next Philosophy Portal course, and the second for 2024, will deviate from our normal theme of in-depth analysis of one specific text, and tackle the concept of Christian Atheism. ​ Christian Atheism is the topic of Slavoj Zizek's latest book, but it is also a concept made possible by a rich tradition, as well as active practitioners in the field today. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

This course is designed to introduce core philosophical themes, and specifically the "transcendental turn" and "speculative dialectical analysis", towards the topics of both Christianity and Atheism. ​ Throughout the course there will be in-depth analysis of how the traditions of German Idealism, Hegelo-Marxism, Nietzschean Existentialism, and Freudo-Lacanian Psychoanalysis have opened up the condition of possibility for both reconciling with the Christian legacy, as well as thinking contemporary secular society. ​

However, we will also be analysing the works of more recent and living thinkers, including the Christian Atheist Gospel of theologian Thomas Altizer, philosopher Slavoj Zizek's works on the concept of Christian Atheism, as well as the practical pyrotheological work of theologian Peter Rollins. ​

Finally, the course will also include four guest lectures on the topic of Christian Atheism, including Slavoj Zizek, Peter Rollins, Barry Taylor, and Adrian Johnston. ​ Zizek will further expand on his ideas of Christian Atheism, Peter Rollins will introduce us to the core practice and aim of the Church of the Contradiction, Barry Taylor will expand on the paradox implicit in walking both a theological and atheist path, and Adrian Johnston will open us to the deeper meaning of atheism as informed by the modernist philosophical tradition. ​

The course starts October 20th, and all participants will get a discounted access to Peter Rollins Wake 2025 in Belfast. ​ To find out more, or to sign up, check the link below: