Introduction: The Long Shadow Of Political Theology
Hans Ulrich Gumbrecht
Introduction:The Long Shadow Of Political Theology Hans Ulrich Gumbrecht (bio) Strictly speaking, the phrase "political theology in Middle Ages" is anachronistic—even anachronistic on different levels. But to identify such tensions between a historical environment and complex meaning can become way of unfolding latter's intellectual potential. In our specific case, it may enable us see more distinctly that long shadow by which certain layer medieval thought has reached present. Above all, theology" would have looked tautological eyes because politics without divine orientation, as an independent public use power, was not supposed be practical or cosmological possibility. Likewise, concept stood tension with pre-modern understanding any kind knowledge humans could dispose disclosed either revelation, interpretation world God's creation. other words, speak theologies" assumes two differentiations were given world. One differentiation religion politics, finally (and even then lasting success) established reaction religious wars through Westphalian Peace 1648. The other, less functional, ideological therefore also aggressive central dogma eighteenth-century Enlightenment: ruled all acceptable had exclusively based human experience intelligence. Divine revelation tolerable only claim full compatibility laws mind. Seen from chronological position "behind" these [End Page S4] thresholds, notion political does look tautological. It appears part general vision Ages proverbially "dark" period. most critical version Enlightenment ideology, sheer existence been subsumed under so-called "treason priests," obsessive imagination about conspiracy clergy designed abuse those who possession power. All this, dark repressive period and, consequence, identification problematic concept, cultural baggage. truly interesting question is, therefore, why some its key concepts developed new fascination situation past decades. for once seems lie at intersection currents contemporary culture, both political, come together produce astonishing effect. one author we associate today than anybody else, Carl Schmitt, whose reputation, like Martin Heidegger, will forever tainted his effort ambition provide (in Schmitt's legal studies) sound foundation early stages Adolf Hitler's National Socialist movement—vis-à-vis effort, despite negative reactions Party, neither Schmitt nor Heidegger ever took definitive distance. After good hundred years during (following bourgeois revolutions reforms), legitimacy regarded absolutely incompatible value, number publications 1920s, highlighted fact much conceptual structure modern statehood considered outcome secularization previous institutions their theological meanings; he argued, provocatively, values serve perfectly present lend declarations state emergency (which action defined essence power). Paradoxically somehow, while writings, up until day, received considerable reservation among conservative right-wing) circles, work, modalities, found strongest resonance Left. understood (such case Italian philosopher Giorgio Agamben) construction that, perhaps against own intentions, makes evident perversions...
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