Christianity and the Errors of our Time: Simone Weil on Atheism and Idolatry
Publication Type |
Book Chapter |
Year of Publication |
2010 |
Author |
|
Editor |
Rozelle-Stone, A. Rebecca (Adrian Rebecca) Stone, Lucian |
Book |
The Relevance of the Radical: Simone Weil 100 Years Later |
Pages |
53-75 |
Publisher |
Continuum |
Place Published |
New York |
Language |
English |
Chapter |
4 |
Keywords |
atheism |
Annotation |
Von der Ruhr begins with an overview of the atheistic thought of the Canadian philosopher Kai Neilson. He then moves on to reflect on the similarities in religious thought between Ludwig Wittgenstein and Simone Weil. As suggested by the title he examines Weil’s distinction between idolatrous and purifying atheism, condemning the former and arguing the latter rather than opposing some Christian believers, may in fact be closer to them in belief. Von der Ruhr ends the essay with a brief critique of Weil's position. |
Notes |
A slightly changed version of this article was published in Philosophy and Religion. Ed. Anthony O'Hear. Vol. 68. Royal Institute of Philosophy Supplement. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2011. 203-26 |