Lexington Books / Fortress Academic
Pages: 154
Trim: 6¼ x 9⅜
978-1-9787-0228-8 • Hardback • July 2024 • $100.00 • (£77.00)
978-1-9787-0229-5 • eBook • May 2024 • $45.00 • (£35.00)
Bruce Worthington is assistant professor in New Testament and critical theory at the Divinity School of Chung Chi College, The Chinese University of Hong Kong.
Introduction: Christian Origins—Diminishing the Character of the Event
Chapter One: Modern Philosophy and the Event, or Not
Chapter Two: Alain Badiou: Event, Subjectivity, and Early Christianity
Chapter Three: Revelation: The Logics of a New World
Chapter Four: Christianity Appears First as Itself
It is truly remarkable for such a young scholar to have such a profound understanding of the now problematic metanarratives that have controlled biblical interpretation. Not only that, but Worthington has laid out a compelling alternative approach to early Christianity, building on the philosophy of Alain Badiou, particularly his concepts of unprecedented events in history and his concept of a new truth that takes hold of communities of people.
— Richard Horsley, University of Massachusetts
Bruce Worthington’s book is a distinctive contribution to the fields of religious studies, philosophy, and theology. It offers a compelling exploration of Christian Origins through the philosophical framework of Alain Badiou’s concept of the ‘event.’ By applying this framework to the Book of Revelation, Worthington reveals how contemporary biblical scholarship has often minimized or obscured foundational events in early Christianity. His analysis of how events shape new political and religious subjectivities is not just a historical exploration but also a call to reflect on present-day challenges. By drawing parallels between ancient contexts and our own time, he invites readers to consider what truths and subjectivities may emerge in our current societal landscape.
— Rebekka King, Middle Tennessee State University