Onto-theology and the Overcoming of Metaphysics: M. Heidegger, J.-L. Marion and Christian Tradition

Abstract

The article considers concept of onto-theology, offered by Martin Heidegger, as well as its reception in postmetaphysical theology, in particular, in Jean-Luc Marion. (1) Onto-theology is an understanding of Being, which is reduced to beings and is founded in the top of hierarchy of beings (Ex 3. 14: He who is). This is «fate of Being» — it came to oblivion in metaphysics, which structure is the onto-theo-logic, i. e. «cross base» between the top being and the totality of beings. The consequence of the oblivion, says Heidegger, is loss of sacred and divine — nihilism. The desire to think truth of Being and open up access to the Divine leads to the need to overcome metaphysics, go to postmetaphysical thinking, which can reveal «the last God». (2) Author maintains that such ideas attract attention of philosophers and theologians in secular age. Vague hints at «the last God» are grasped like modern Christian philosophy, and the concept of onto-theology is seen as an opportunity to overcome atheism simply by removing it to a metaphysical problem. This is the starting point for the development of so-called post-metaphysical theology, i. e. theology after metaphysics. For example, philosophy of J.-L. Marion is based on the concept of onto-theology. However, he constricts the concept. As a result, onto-theology becomes more vulnerable to criticism.

Keywords

• ontotheology
• God
• being
• beings
• metaphysics
• Christianity
• atheism
• M. Heidegger
• J.-L. Marion
• F. Nietzsche