Thomas Jonathan Jackson Altizer was a radical theologian known for incorporating Friedrich Nietzsche's conception of the "death of God" and G. W. F. Hegel's dialectical philosophy into his systematic theology. His work delves into radical theological ideas that challenge traditional notions of divinity. Altizer's approach is characterized by profound philosophical reflection and a pursuit of new interpretations of religious concepts in the modern world.
Renowned radical theologian Thomas J. J. Altizer shares a collection of letters written over two decades, presenting meditative mini-essays that delve into critical religious, theological, political, and philosophical issues relevant to modern society. These reflections engage with contemporary thought, offering insights that challenge and inspire readers to consider the intersections of faith and modernity.
Thomas J. J. Altizer is the leading radical theologian of our time. His creative lifework—a steady output of some seventeen books and tens of articles—spans from the late 1950s to the present. In the past few decades, Altizer has written letters on religious, theological, political, and philosophical matters to an international virtual community of scholars and friends who work in a number of disciplines, ranging from British literary theorist David Jasper, to well-known contemporary philosophers such as Richard Kearney, John D. Caputo, and Edward S. Casey. Like the seventeenth century philosopher Marin Mersenne, who was renowned in the age of Descartes for gathering around him a network of brilliant philosophers and scientists through exchanges of written correspondence, so Altizer in his own domain of philosophical theology has acted as a hub for networking talented thinkers and scholars. In these brilliant letters, which take the form of meditative mini-essays, Altizer writes in an accessible, personal, and occasionally confessional manner. They are an intellectual tour de force and provide another entry into engagement with Altizer's thought.
The book offers a transformative exploration of radical theology, specifically challenging traditional views on the Trinity. It presents a bold reimagining of the apocalyptic trinity, drawing inspiration from the works of Hegel, Blake, and Nietzsche to revive the concept of the apocalyptic Jesus. Through this innovative approach, the author invites readers to reconsider established theological frameworks and engage with profound philosophical ideas.