Astra Salvensis (Jun 2024)
Nihilism as a theology of absence in the perspective of Christos Yannaras
Abstract
Abstract: The text provided analyses nihilism in terms of the absence and ignorance of God, starting from the interpretations of Christos Yannaras and others. It discusses the transformation of European nihilism into a theology of absence, the denial of the metaphysics of God's divinity and philosophical influences such as those of Nietzsche and Heidegger. The nihilistic nature of the West is discussed, as well as the evolution of Western metaphysical concepts throughout history, including Augustine's interpretation and influences on later philosophy. It also addresses the concept of God in the philosophy of Descartes, Spinoza, Leibniz and others, discussing the transformations brought about in the interpretation of divinity and the relationship with rationalism and empiricism. Emphasis is placed on the contrast between Nietzsche and Descartes, as well as criticisms of atheistic theism and how natural theology has been transformed into rational science. The text explores the changes in philosophical thought brought about by philosophers such as Kant, Fichte, Hegel and others, highlighting their conceptual renovations. It discusses the theology of the cross and the meeting of religion and philosophy. At the same time, Husserl's phenomenology and Heidegger's existential-phenomenological ontology are considered, highlighting the differences between being and Being in the proposed philosophical context. Conclusions drawn include the affirmation of apophaticism in theology as an emphasis, highlighting how nihilism can influence faith and non-faith and how Western metaphysics has been transformed by the ideas proposed.
