Deleuze, Guattari and the Machine in Early Christianity: Schizoanalysis, Affect and Multiplicity

This book explores the impact of Gilles Deleuze and Félix Guattari's philosophy on Christian Origins and Christian theology by proposing a new understanding of early Christianity through concepts such as the 'rhizome,' 'machine,' 'body without organs,' and 'multiplicity.' It argues that traditional assumptions about the historical and transcendental origins of early Christianity limit our understanding of its genesis, change, and transformation. By applying Guattari's concept of the 'machine' to the analysis of early Christianity, the book highlights the potential of Deleuze and Guattari's philosophy to challenge and reconfigure our knowledge of not just early Christianity, but also Hellenistic Judaism, the Greco-Roman world, and Jesus of Nazareth and the Jesus movement. It promotes new forms of dialogue and cooperation between Christians and co-religionists by subverting the concept of a single transcendental or historical origin of Christianity.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 262 pages
Publication date: 22 February 2024
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

This groundbreaking study extends the reach of Gilles Deleuze and Félix Guattari's philosophy to the fields of Christian Origins and Christian Theology, presenting a compelling argument for interpreting early Christianity through their Deleuzioguattarian concepts such as the 'rhizome,' 'machine,' 'body without organs,' and 'multiplicity.' By employing the theoretical framework of schizoanalysis, the author endeavors to reimagine the historical emergence of early Christianity, challenging traditional assumptions that have limited our understanding of this pivotal period.

Bradley H. McLean argues that the traditional understanding of early Christianity's historical and transcendental origins has hindered our ability to fully comprehend its genesis, evolution, and transformation during the first three centuries of the Common Era. To capture the dynamic nature of early Christianity, McLean applies Guattari's concept of the 'machine' to analyze its historical development. He emphasizes that machines are an often overlooked dimension of early Christianity and a valuable analytical tool for the discipline. By subverting the notion of a singular transcendental or historical origin of Christianity, this book fosters new avenues for dialogue and cooperation between Christians and co-religionists.

In exploring the relationship between early Christianity and the 'rhizome,' the author highlights the interconnectedness and multiplicity of early Christian communities. The 'rhizome' is a conceptual framework that emphasizes the non-hierarchical and decentralized nature of networks, which can be seen as a metaphor for the early Christian movement. McLean argues that the 'rhizome' provides a valuable framework for understanding the complex and evolving nature of early Christian communities, as well as their ability to adapt and transform in response to changing circumstances.

The 'machine' is another key concept employed by McLean to analyze early Christianity. He argues that machines are not just technological devices but also represent a mode of thinking and organizing that was prevalent in the Greco-Roman world. By applying Guattari's understanding of the 'machine' to early Christianity, McLean highlights the ways in which early Christian communities were influenced by and integrated into the larger social and political structures of their time. He also explores the ways in which early Christians used machines to spread their message and establish their communities.

The 'body without organs' is a concept that draws from Deleuze and Guattari's understanding of the human body as a complex system of interconnections and processes rather than a physical entity. McLean applies this concept to early Christianity, arguing that early Christian communities were characterized by a sense of communal belonging and shared identity that transcended physical boundaries. He highlights the ways in which early Christian communities were organized around shared values, beliefs, and practices, and how these communities were able to adapt and transform in response to changing circumstances.

Finally, McLean explores the 'multiplicity' of early Christianity, emphasizing the diversity and complexity of its historical development. He argues that early Christianity was not a monolithic movement but rather a collection of diverse communities and traditions that emerged in response to various social, political, and cultural factors. By recognizing the multiplicity of early Christianity, McLean encourages scholars to approach this period with a broader and more inclusive perspective, recognizing the contributions of different groups and traditions to the development of early Christian thought and practice.

In conclusion, this original study makes a significant contribution to the fields of Christian Origins and Christian Theology by expanding the reach of Gilles Deleuze and Félix Guattari's philosophy. By employing the theoretical framework of schizoanalysis, the author challenges traditional assumptions about the historical emergence of early Christianity and offers a fresh perspective on this pivotal period. Through the application of Deleuzioguattarian concepts such as the 'rhizome,' 'machine,' 'body without organs,' and 'multiplicity,' the author demonstrates the potential of these concepts to challenge and reconfigure our understanding of early Christianity, as well as its relationship to other religious traditions and the broader Greco-Roman world. This book fosters new avenues for dialogue and cooperation between Christians and co-religionists, promoting a deeper understanding and appreciation of the rich tapestry of religious traditions and their historical development.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350233881