Heidegger's Atheism: The Refusal of a Theological Voice - Hardcover

"This book introduces some much-needed structure, sophistication, and close attention to textual detail into what are by now well-worn and increasingly convoluted debates about Heidegger's relation to theology and religious belief. . . . Few people are as familiar with and attentive to the full sweep of Heidegger's writings as Hemming proves himself to be; and those in the fields of theology and philosophy of religion who are desirous of finding inspiration and sustenance for their endeavours from this particular domain of philosophy can rest assured that Hemming is a reliable and sophisticated guide."--Religious Studies "[Hemming] has written an important work. It transcends the alternative interpretations that serve as its foils. It deserves serious attention from anyone who would closely explore Heidegger's religious views."--Theological Studies "Hemming offers a well-grounded study of exactly what Heidegger's atheism entails . . . highly recommended."--Library Journal "I can recommend the book to anybody who feels ready to be challenged in his self-certainty and assurance in faith, and who has a genuinely critical interest in the meaning of his own existence and of the age and society he inhabits. The book is accessible to those not yet introduced to Heidegger's particular terminology. . . . The book will be also of immense interest to Heidegger scholars, especially those interested in the relation between Heidegger and theology. . . . [T]his book could stir afresh theological thinking that admits its limits before God but takes up its own way of thought, guided--and called into question--by the Word of God."--Theology Today "Heidegger's Atheism is based on extensive research, in-depth textual analyses, and much scholarly debate."--Choice "His book is best conceived as a careful listening to and thinking with Heidegger. . . . Hemming has established . . . a highly original and fiercely independent viewpoint. . . . "--The Thomist " Heidegger's Atheism is a very well researched account of the sequence of Heidegger's relation to religion and theology. It contains one of the best discussions in any language of the 'turn' or Kehre, as well as a first-rate account of Heidegger's crucial relationship to scholasticism and, in particular, to Thomas Aquinas. This book makes a crucial contribution to Heidegger research."--John Milbank, Frances Ball Professor of Philosophical Theology, University of Virginia

This work traces the development of Heidegger's explanation of philosophy as a methodological atheism, relating it to his reading of Aristotle, Aquinas and Nietzsche. A predominant issue throughout this study is Heidegger's pursuit of an answer to the question: how did God get into philosophy? Laurence Paul Hemming discusses a wide range of topics in this comprehensive volume, including the influence of Heidegger on theologians like Bultmann, Rahner and Ott; the central themes of ""being and time""; Heidegger's political decisions and involvement with National Socialism; and Jean-Luc Marion's reading of Heidegger. Hemming also provides an in-depth analysis of Heidegger's turn or ""Kehre"". He addresses how Heidegger's understanding of ""das Ereignis"", the event, relates both to his view of atheism and to the way he appropriated Nietzsche's proclamation of the death of God.