Towards a constructive dialogue between Christianity and atheism, with reference to the work of Eeberhard Jüngel, David Bentley Hart, and Henri de Lubac

Abstract

In this thesis I examine the nature of atheism and its appearance within Western thought and culture and argue that atheist-Christian dialogue is not only possible but also that it is desirable and important. I highlight the groundwork and parameters that enable a constructive dialogue between atheism and Christianity to be developed and set out the reasons why such a dialogue is necessary within society today. This is done by identifying those aspects of both atheism and Christianity in respect of which unbelievers and believers can learn from each other, highlighting the resources within atheism and Christianity that may offer starting points for dialogue, and pointing to the arenas within which atheists and Christians can come into conversation and partnership. I focus entirely on Western atheism, the phases in its development, the connections that have existed, and continue to do so, between theism and atheism, and the variety of different types of atheistic thought that exist within Western culture today. I explore some of the reasons for atheism andunbelief and address the range of different expressions of atheism by presenting a fourfold typology of atheism. As a means to explore the different categories of atheism and as a starting point for developing a dialogue between atheism and Christianity, I draw on three Christian theologians who have given atheism serious attention and woven its study into their projects. These are Eberhard Jüngel (Lutheran), David Bentley Hart (Orthodox), and Henri de Lubac (Roman Catholic). I examine the critiques that they have offered of a range of atheist positions and provide an analysis of their views, particularly as they relate to atheism. I show how they each, in different ways, highlight how a conversation between the Church and atheism can be advanced in a constructive, productive, and meaningful way. Drawing on the work of these theologians, I argue that a meaningful and positive relationship between Christianity and atheism can be developed, which enables those who both possess and deny the reality of faith in God to engage with and learn from each other.This enables me to demonstrate how the relationship between Christianity and atheism need not always be a polarised and hostile one, marked by confrontation, rancour, and dispute. By examining the resources offered by Jüngel, Hart, and de Lubac, I identify a series of approaches that enable a constructive dialogue between atheism and Christianity to be advanced. I also argue that there is much learning that Christianity can derive from atheistic positions, that atheists can offer a prophetic function for the health of the Church,and that there are theological perspectives that enable Christians to understand atheism and atheists in positive ways, as well as for atheists to better appreciate the position of Christians. Based on this premise, I seek to elucidate the elements that comprise a productive conversation between Christianity and atheism, and explore what the mission of the Church in increasingly secular Western societies might involve.  

Date of Award	1 May 2021
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	King's College London
Supervisor	Susannah Ticciati (Supervisor) & Vernon White (Supervisor)