The Trace of the Face in the Politics of Jesus: Experimental Comparisons Between the Work of John Howard Yoder and Emmanuel Levinas

• Other Authors: Koyles, John Patrick, 1969- (authoraut)
• Format: Others
• Language: English; English
• Published: Florida State University
• Subjects: Religion
• Online Access: http://purl.flvc.org/fsu/fd/FSU_migr_etd-2854

his project is a rereading of John Howard Yoder's work in terms of the philosophical thought of Emmanuel Levinas. The purpose for this rereading is to demonstrate the continuing relevance of Yoder's work for contemporary socio-political issues. Restating his work in terms of Levinas' phenomenological description of otherness brings out these points of relevance while simultaneously remaining faithful to Yoder's commitment to Jesus as the primary source for Christian theological and moral discourse. I chose Yoder's methodology and conception of revolutionary subordination as test cases for this comparative rereading. By linking Yoder's work to Levinas I showed that a "being-for-the-other" ethical structure underlined Yoder's thought. This underlying element is the key component for restating Yoder's work in relevant terms for contemporary socio-political discourse. Because of this project Yoder's work can continue to have import for socio-political discussions into the 21st century. === A Dissertation submitted to the Department of Religion in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. === Spring Semester, 2009. === March 4, 2009. === John Howard Yoder, Emmanuel Levinas, Ontology, Revolutionary Subordination, Otherness, Pacifism, Just War, Violence, Christian Ethics, Christian Theology, Jewish Philosophy, James Gustafson, Stanley Hauerwas, Sectarian, Sectarianism, Constantine, Constantinianism, Kenosis, The Face Of The Other, Politics of Jesus === Includes bibliographical references. === John Kelsay, Professor Co-Directing Dissertation; Martin Kavka, Professor Co-Directing Dissertation; Daniel Maier-Katkin, 1945-, Outside Committee Member; Aline Kalbian, Committee Member.