Jacques Derrida

The influential philosopher Jacques Derrida has often been embraced or rejected before being properly understood. Watkin explores the framework of Derrida's thought and its implications, unfolding a balanced, biblical response. Christian thinkers and writers who address Jacques Derrida's philosophy face two potential pitfalls. One is to recast Christianity in an ill-fitting Derridean mold; the other is to ascribe to Derrida objectionable positions that bear little relation to his writing. To avoid these hazards, Christopher Watkin, a scholar of French literature and philosophy, walks in Derrida's shoes through the landscape of recent thought and culture, seeking to understand the rationale for Derrida's philosophical moves in light of his assumptions and commitments in philosophy, literature, ethics, and politics. He then sets these assumptions in the wider context of God's nature and purposes in history, providing biblical critique. Learn why Derrida says what he does and how Christians can receive and respond to his writing in a balanced, biblical way that is truly beneficial. One of the most important thinkers of our time, Jacques Derrida continues to have a profound influence on postmodern thought and society. Christopher Watkin explains Derrida's complex philosophy with clarity and precision, showing not only what Derrida says about metaphysics, ethics, politics, and theology but also what assumptions and commitments underlie his positions. He then brings Derrida into conversation with Reformed theology through the lens of John 1:1-18, examining both similarities and differences between Derrida and the Bible. Learn why Derrida says what he says and how Christians can receive and respond to his writing in a balanced, biblical way that is truly beneficial to cultural engagement. -- Provided by publisher