From phenomenology to agency

pp. 113-130

in: Peter S. Dillard, Non-metaphysical theology after Heidegger, Berlin, Springer, 2016

Abstract

Dillard next integrates the objective yet objectless holy with human decision-making and action. His analysis begins with what Heidegger describes as a thankful openness to the world, an openness with temporal and spatial aspects. From some of Heidegger's remarks about Georg Trakl's poetry, it can be seen how something can function as a sort of fixed clock measuring actual and possible changes within our world and us. As Heidegger suggests, in his discussion of Friederich Hölderlin's poetry, thankful openness also involves "the dimension" in which we reflect upon and evaluate the actual or possible changes of which we have become aware. The elements of energy and tranquility included within Otto's phenomenology of the holy then guide us in making principled decisions about whether or not to embrace these perceived changes. Dillard also indicates a strongly Christocentric flavor in the resulting Gelassenheit theology.