Jean-Luc Marion: the reinscription of heteronormativity into postmodern theology

Since the “theological turn” in continental philosophy, theologians have regularly turned to phenomenology as an authentic opening to a new mode of theological discourse. Yet, when these theo-phenomenological discourses turn to the questions of sexuality, gender, and love they often fail to live up...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Theology & sexuality
Main Author: Pearl, J. Leavitt (Author)
Format: Electronic/Print Article
Language:English
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Published: Taylor & Francis [2017]
In: Theology & sexuality
Standardized Subjects / Keyword chains:B Marion, Jean-Luc 1946- / Theology / Eroticism / Queer theory
IxTheo Classification:CH Christianity and Society
NBE Anthropology
NCF Sexual ethics
Further subjects:B Phenomenology
B Queer
B Heteronormativity
B Erotic
B Flesh
B Jean-Luc Marion
B Body
Online Access: Volltext (doi)
Parallel Edition:Electronic
Description
Summary:Since the “theological turn” in continental philosophy, theologians have regularly turned to phenomenology as an authentic opening to a new mode of theological discourse. Yet, when these theo-phenomenological discourses turn to the questions of sexuality, gender, and love they often fail to live up to the radical opening promised by this turn. Taken as a case study, the work of Jean-Luc Marion is emblematic of this failure. While many of his insights might offer new openings for theological thought, his phenomenological speculations nonetheless often merely serve to re-inscribe a traditional, even reactionary heteronormativity into the heart of postmodern theological thought. In fact, it is not uncommon to catch his work offering a denigration of the body, presupposing a determinately male subject, and foreclosing the very possibility of non-heterosexual love. This critical examination of Marion’s account of sexuality shows that even the most radical phenomenological theology needs the ideological interruption of queer theory.
ISSN:1355-8358
Contains:Enthalten in: Theology & sexuality
Persistent identifiers:DOI: 10.1080/13558358.2017.1341214