Levinas and Theology

Description

The thought of Emmanuel Levinas is of increasing importance for those working in the diverse fields of phenomenology and continental philosophy, French studies, Jewish studies, ethics, politics and religious studies. In this book, Nigel Zimmermann gives proper attention to the 'incarnate' aspect of the 'other' in Levinas' work, providing a theological reading that explores the basic strands of Levinas' thinking regarding the concrete nature of human living. Human communities, in which politics inevitably plays a crucial role, may learn much from the theological shape of Levinas' philosophy. In all his writings, Levinas cannot be understood apart from his roles as a Talmudic commentator and as a radical thinker who suffered personally under the shadow of the Holocaust.

Nigel Zimmermann lectures in theology at the University of Notre Dame Australia. He completed his PhD at the University of Edinburgh and has been a Wingate Scholar since 2011. His previous work has appeared in The Heythrop Journal and The Tablet.

Zimmerman's book belongs in every library that is serious about keeping its theology and philosophy collection up to date. -- Sarah Hart, MCD University of Divinity, Australia * Colloquium * This study adds significantly to the Philosophy and Theology series. Zimmerman sets Levinas in his historical and contemporary context, critically evaluates his thought and draws out relevant theological themes. -- Paul Ballard, UK * Theological Book Review * Nigel Zimmermann's Levinas and Theology is a book that everyone in the field of Levinas studies, and beyond, must read. Not only does it cover the fundamentals of this great thinker but also, and more pointedly, it points us to what the author calls "the disturbance of theology" and even "the return of God." This is a book that informs, questions, and provokes. -- Kevin Hart, University of Virginia, USA The work of Emmanuel Levinas has proved to be a strong challenge to Christian theological thinking. How should theology deal with the unsettling claim of God's total otherness? How might Levinas' reflections on ethics and religious transcendence help to shape a Christian theology of responsible subjectivity? Zimmermann's book invites readers to engage critically and self-critically with Levinas' thinking and offers them reliable and inspiring guidance during this journey. -- Werner G Jeanrond, University of Oxford, UK This study finds a balanced and nuanced voice somewhere between phenomenology and theology, as much as between Judaism and Christianity ... this book is a wonderful introduction and asset for theologians looking to contemplate the significance of Levinas' work. * Heythrop Journal *