The challenge of postmetaphysical Scripture reading: Jean-Luc Marion's hermeneutics of saturation

Abstract

This dissertation explores Jean-Luc Marion’s postmetaphysical reading of Scripture as a textual collection of saturated phenomena in relation to dogmatic reasoning. Through study of Marion’s idea of the saturated phenomenon and specifically his hermeneutics of saturation applied to Scripture, this work attempts to point out and critically evaluate its philosophical and theological implications for a dogmatic way of thinking. It gives explanation of the role and function of saturated phenomena in Marion’s postmetaphysical project and underlines the guiding principles of his hermeneutics. Furthermore, it examines Marion’s understanding of various biblical texts used as examples of saturation with emphasis on theological and philosophical implications delivered by this sort of reading. It offers a concluding analysis and closing remarks in regard to the philosophical and theological impact of Marion’s hermeneutic of saturation and his postmetaphysical understanding of Scripture on dogmatic forms of theological thinking.