Don Cupitt Knihy

Considers the traditional Christian ideas of the hereafter against modern beliefs, arguing that we need not the New Testament message but a Last Testament for the Last World that we live in.

Creative Faith argues that Christians need to fill the void left behind by heaven-obsessed theology with a new theology of moral striving. No longer should they aim to conserve the self, preparing for eternity: they must simply expend it, by living generously.

Christian churches are seemingly in terminal decline. Is a reformation and renewal of Christianity still possible, even at this late hour? Don Cupitt argues that it is possible, but will be difficult. Church Christianity as we have received it is handicapped by two great errors—a mistaken interpretation of Jesus as having been the co-equally divine Son of God incarnate and the mistaken belief that there is a controlling supernatural world beyond this world. To escape from these errors we need to go back and start again from the historical Jesus and his message about 'the Kingdom of God' on this earth. We need to create a modern version of his kingdom religion—a religion that is immediate, beliefless, and entirely focussed upon the here and now. Reconstructing Christianity in this way calls for a revolution in thought At present, the churches don't even want to think about reform and renewal; but if thery are ever to become serious, this is the path they'll have to take.

Don Cupitt reinterprets the traditional doctrine that the world has been created out of nothing by the divine Word. He shows how recent developments in thought have led to the rediscovery both of nihilism and of the creative power of language. Cupitt undertakes extended examinations of the relation of thought to language and of the relation of God to language - all in an effort to make intelligible a major worldview that has begun in philosophy, and which must now be applied also to religion. The consequence of all this is that divine and human creativity come to be seen as coinciding in the present moment. The creation of the world happens all of the time, in and through us, as language surges up within us and pours out of us to form and reform the world of experience. Reality and the conquest of nihilism are, in fact, effected by language, and the way is thus opened for a new 'creationist' conception of religious truth and life. This book offers a philosophy of religion for the future and a genuine alternative to pietism and fundamentalism.

Radical theology emerges as a personal journey toward a redefined faith in the wake of traditional beliefs. Don Cupitt shares eighteen essays that trace his intellectual evolution over thirty years, revealing his aspiration to craft a message that resonates with everyday individuals. His work emphasizes the importance of personal expression in developing a meaningful spiritual voice, suggesting that true radical theology is found within oneself.

Exploring a non-realistic interpretation of Christian doctrine, Don Cupitt advocates for a humanistic religion that emphasizes life in the present. He proposes a "kingdom" version of Christianity, aiming to align it more closely with the teachings of the original Jewish Jesus. This collection features essays penned over two decades, marking their first appearance in book form, and reflects Cupitt's evolving antirealist philosophy and his vision for a reformed understanding of faith.

Exploring the tension between secular culture and lingering theological themes, the book examines how remnants of faith influence contemporary language, art, and literature. It argues that despite a shift away from religious doctrine, concepts of divine judgment and inner integrity resurface in modern critical thought. By analyzing these themes, the author reveals the complex interplay between historical beliefs and current intellectual discourse, suggesting that the echoes of the past continue to shape our understanding of morality and truth.

»Wir sind alle religiöse Geister ohne Religion.« E. M. Cioran Nietzsche erklärte lautstark den Tod Gottes, doch spürte er auch, dass die Religionskritik die Religion nicht beseitigen kann. Wenn Sinn in der Welt ist, dann ist auch Gott in der Welt. Im Prozess der religiösen Auseinandersetzung mit dem Göttlichen vollzogen sich Individualisierung und Selbstbewusstwerdung des Menschen. Don Cupitt zeichnet die Entwicklung des Gottesbegriffes als anthropologische nach, von den archaischen Tiergeistern über polytheistische Formen zum einen, inzwischen »entrealisierten« Gott, der nur mehr ein anderes Wort für »Weltsinn« ist. Die Entwicklungsgeschichte der Götter verläuft parallel zu der der Menschen. Wollen die Religionen in den säkularisierten Gesellschaften des 21. Jahrhunderts weiterhin eine Rolle spielen, müssen sie human und sozial sein, oder sie werden in der Bedeutungslosigkeit versinken.

A sudden and intense religious experience in July 1997 leads Don Cupitt to explore a postmodern perspective on the world and humanity. Reflecting on his moment of insight, he articulates a secular interpretation of the doctrine of the Trinity, blending philosophical thought with personal revelation. This unique analysis delves into themes of spirituality and existence, challenging traditional views and offering a contemporary understanding of faith and the human condition.

Exploring the concept of the religious life, the book argues that despite the inadequacies of traditional questions about life's meaning, these inquiries hold significance. It presents a diverse array of paths within the religious experience and emphasizes the value of understanding the broader landscape of life. Through this exploration, the author suggests that insights can be gained by examining the various shapes and courses that the religious life can take.