God after Metaphysics A Theological Aesthetic [Hardcover]

While philosophy believes it is impossible to have an experience of God without the senses, theology claims that such an experience is possible, though potentially idolatrous. In this engagingly creative book, John Panteleimon Manoussakis ends the impasse by proposing an aesthetic allowing for a sensuous experience of God that is not subordinated to imposed categories or concepts. Manoussakis draws upon the theological traditions of the Eastern Church, including patristic and liturgical resources, to build a theological aesthetic founded on the inverted gaze of icons, the augmented language of hymns, and the reciprocity of touch. Manoussakis explores how a relational interpretation of being develops a fuller and more meaningful view of the phenomenology of religious experience beyond metaphysics and onto-theology.

Elegant and incisive, God after Metaphysics engages the theological turn of contemporary phenomenology at a deeper, richer, and more satisfying level than many recent books. Manoussakis is entirely right to stress the importance of what it means to be in relations with God and to see this as essential to theology today. Well grounded in patristics, Manoussakis shows us that the future of theology and its past are not in contradiction, and must be thought together.. . . Manoussakis's book frames some interesting questions for philosophical theology. His use of Eastern theology as a complement to continental philosophy of religion is adroit and adds to his unique argument.Vol. 34, 4 Nov, 2008. . . [a] combined ability to revitalize traditional sources and to make everydayphenomena glimmer under its examination, God after Metaphysics is sure toprovoke both debate and wonder for those interested in continental philosophyof religion.vol. 9 no. 3 (Fall 2008). . . [A] solid contribution to the growing literature in continental philosophy of religion. . . . Recommended.. . . for those whose research engages continental philosophy, Manoussakissbook framlÓÎ