Sacrifice for Nothing: The Movement of Kenosis in Jan Patočka’s Thought

Martin Kočí, the coordinator and researcher of the cTPM, has just published his article in Modern Theology. It focuses on the theological reflection of Jan Patočka’s thought concerning the theme of sacrifice. The author thus presents an original view, which is open for further theological elaboration.

Koci, M. (2017), Sacrifice for Nothing: The Movement of Kenosis in Jan Patočka’s Thought. Modern Theology. doi:10.1111/moth.12357

Abstract

This article focuses on the idea of sacrifice in the work of the Czech phenomenologist Jan Patočka. It presents and examines this philosopher from a theological perspective against the background of the theological turn in contemporary philosophy. First, the article focuses on Patočka’s reflections on the kenotic sacrifice, which he defines as the sacrifice for nothing. Second, Patočka’s thought is put into dialog with Jean-Luc Marion’s phenomenological sketch of sacrifice embedded in his phenomenology of the gift. Although both Patočka and Marion share an interest in sacrifice, a phenomenon of high theological importance, only the latter enjoys reception on the part of theology. Yet, the article argues, on the basis of further inquiry into Patočka’s writings, Patočka presents a complementary and alternative perspective that not only precedes the theological turn but also challenges and opens new ways for theology. The conclusion thus portrays a kenotic form of Christianity after the end of Christianity, drawn from Patočka, as a specific spiritual being-in-the-world.