Type of Document Master's Thesis Author Rivenbark, John D Author's Email Address johnrivenbark@mac.com URN etd-06062008-151751 Title Nietzsche As Interpreter: Against the Religious and Secular Appropriations Degree Master of Arts Department Religious Studies Advisory Committee
Advisor Name Title Louis A. Ruprecht, Jr. Committee Chair James Winchester Committee Member Timothy A. Renick Committee Member Keywords
- Idolatry
- Theology
- Eden
- Death of God
- Christian morality
- Postmodernsim
- Nietzsche
Date of Defense 2008-05-30 Availability unrestricted Abstract Best known if not equally understood for having a madman proclaim the demise of God, Friedrich Nietzsche’s thought has served as a fecund resource for disparate groups advancing diverse agendas. This paper critically examines the phenomenon of invoking Nietzsche as the final word. This paper argues that, far from being a conversation-stopper, Nietzsche can be understood as enhancing dialogue, across disciplines and between groups such as philosophers and theologians more prone to militant rhetoric than fruitful dialogue. In order to validate this claim it will be necessary to examine in detail the two aspects of Nietzsche’s thought most often invoked as conversation stoppers: the madman’s proclamation of the death of God; and Nietzsche’s devastating critique of Christian morality. Ultimately, this thesis will conclude that when properly understood Nietzsche serves as a unique interpreter locating himself between modernity and postmodernity, as well as between philosophy and religious thought.Files
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