Reading Derrida/thinking Paul : on justice / Theodore W. Jennings, Jr.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Jennings, Theodore W., Jr., 1942-

Series:

Cultural memory in the present

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Bible. Romans--Philosophy.

Bible.

Bible. Romans.

Justice--Biblical teaching.

Justice.

Derrida, Jacques.

Justice (Philosophy).

Philosophy.

Physical Description:

xiii, 219 pages ; 23 cm.

Place of Publication:

Stanford, Calif. : Stanford University Press, 2006.

Summary:

This book explores the interweaving of several of Derrida's characteristic concerns with themes that Paul explores in Romans. It argues that the central concern of Romans is with the question of justice, a justice that must be thought outside of law on the basis of grace or gift. The many perplexities that arise from thus trying to think justice outside of law are clarified by reading Derrida on such themes as justice and law, gift and exchange, duty and debt, hospitality, cosmopolitanism, and pardon. This interweaving of Paul and Derrida shows that Paul may be read as a thinker who wrestles with real problems that are of concern to anyone who thinks. It also shows that Derrida, far from being the enemy of theological reflection, is himself a necessary companion to the thinking of the biblical theologian. Against the grain of what passes for common wisdom this book argues that both Derrida and Paul are indispensable guides to a new way of thinking about justice.

Contents:

Introduction : the question of justice on Paul and Derrida

Justice beyond the law

Force, violence, and the Cross

Justice as gift

Duty beyond debt or the obedience of faith

Hospitality, ethics, and politics

Pardon

Conclusion : The faith of deconstruction.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages [177]-216) and index.

ISBN:

0804752672

0804752680

OCLC:

60419703