Reader, can you explain to me what the backslash in the middle of the word atheism means? In other words what is the difference between a/theism and atheism?
I think it is simply a writer covering all of her bases. We know that atheism is believing in no gods. theism is believing in gods. It is a shortened way of saying "all of you".
The "a/theism" term originated with Mark C. Taylor, a radical theologian, but is more popularized by Peter Rollins. It's not a "catch all," but a description of a way of approaching belief and non-belief. According to Rollins in How (Not) to Speak of God, a/theism refers to the "uncollapsible tension between affirming our religious ideas while also placing them into question" (27). It is the embrace of doubt in the midst of faith.
I would recommend Rollins' book highly if you're interested. Particularly the one referenced above and also Insurrection.
Ahh! Thank you, anonymoustheologian! That is exactly the information I was looking for. I will certainly add Rollins' book to my list. I keep hearing about him.
the "uncollapsible tension between affirming our religious ideas while also placing them into question" (27). It is the embrace of doubt in the midst of faith.
THANK YOU! I guess I hadn't questioned that expression and, therefore, didn't know!
Found this on google, for what it's worth:
ReplyDeletehttp://experimentaltheology.blogspot.com/2007/11/curing-religious-disease-part-4-atheism.html
I think it is simply a writer covering all of her bases.
ReplyDeleteWe know that atheism is believing in no gods.
theism is believing in gods.
It is a shortened way of saying "all of you".
I disagree with what Karen is saying above.
ReplyDeleteThe "a/theism" term originated with Mark C. Taylor, a radical theologian, but is more popularized by Peter Rollins. It's not a "catch all," but a description of a way of approaching belief and non-belief. According to Rollins in How (Not) to Speak of God, a/theism refers to the "uncollapsible tension between affirming our religious ideas while also placing them into question" (27). It is the embrace of doubt in the midst of faith.
I would recommend Rollins' book highly if you're interested. Particularly the one referenced above and also Insurrection.
Ahh! Thank you, anonymoustheologian! That is exactly the information I was looking for. I will certainly add Rollins' book to my list. I keep hearing about him.
Deletethe "uncollapsible tension between affirming our religious ideas while also placing them into question" (27). It is the embrace of doubt in the midst of faith.
DeleteTHANK YOU! I guess I hadn't questioned that expression and, therefore, didn't know!