Postmodernity and Proclamation
By: Tim O'Connor
SYNOPSIS
In which there is a discussion on methodology and the difficulties that arise in the merging of postmodernity with theology. There is further, an appraisal of the alienation of the other through the exemplary reading act of the church, and then of the other, face to face. The other is shown to be inaccessible and yet the tendency is to commodify, to totalise the other. The way through is shown to be in privileging the singularity of the face to face event.
Discussion then considers the way in which one should love the other and it is shown that even though Jesus is the model of exemplarity, his way cannot become mine without a totalising of the other. There is further, an exploration of sacrificial giving, even to the point of death, in the consideration of love for the other. Finally, in order to maintain the singularity of the event, the decision for the other ought to begin with undecidablility and it is determined that proclamation is the way in which the otherness of the other can be honoured.
Play: The space in which meaning is deferred because that which is signified is not implicit from that which it differs. Herein lies the tension, knowing that language is carnal, it is part of the fall and cannot be that which it should, and yet the demand on it is that it be, and precisely so. There is no grace here. For the redeemed, those that accept the Logos, that very word which eternally and with veracious intentionality signifies the transcendent, that word which suffered to stand in the place of, are free to play. Play therein; and should you consider a thing as you read, do not consider it came by chance. That which you think of in the reading is yours to play with, in as much, you have been placed in the field of play; know therefore that the play has begun. A character perhaps without a script, and decidedly the author is dead; nevertheless there is a part for you to play.
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