Religion Postmodernism

3 Credits · Level: Graduate, Undergraduate

This is a course about the postmodern view of religion. We often think of religion as dealing with what is ineffable, with what is beyond, with what is real and original, and essential. It provides foundations upon which we can rely. Postmodernism tends to look at religion as a form of writing, that is, as a physical artifact that is from a particular place and time, and instead of possessing a reliable ground, we possess scratches on paper – or virtual realities online – that subvert, and undermine, and, crucially, disturb. This course will begin with Friedrich Nietzsche and then examine major writings in postmodern religion by Mark Taylor, Charles Winquist, and John Caputo. The oddity and profundity of postmodern religion will be illustrated by viewing several films such as Being John Malcovich; Run, Lola, Run; and Blue Velvet.