Making the Heavens Speak - Religion as Poetry

Poetry has long been connected to religion, with Homer consulting the Olympian gods and the Athenian stage becoming the setting for divine interventions. Sloterdijk argues that all religions inscribe a form of "theopoetry" at their core, which is often obscured by orthodox norms. He also shows how religions poetically reshape themselves to accommodate the demands of the religious marketplace in conditions of religious pluralism. This study offers a new interpretation of religious practice and its theological elaboration through history and provides a fresh perspective on our contemporary age.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 16 December 2022
Publisher: Polity Press

The concept of a relationship between poetry and religion has a rich historical heritage, dating back to the earliest civilizations. In ancient times, figures such as Homer sought guidance from the Olympian gods in determining the outcome of battles on the battlefield. Through his poetic prowess, Homer managed to bring the divine beings into the realm of human comprehension, allowing them to communicate directly with humanity.

As time passed, the Athenian stage emerged as a platform for divine interventions, where gods would intervene in human affairs through poetic means. These poetic interventions aimed to resolve conflicts and foster emotional harmony within the city's public life. The culture of the Ancient Greeks, in particular, is known for its emphasis on theopoetics, a form of poetry that was closely intertwined with religious beliefs and practices.

In his book "The Poetic Turn: The Rise of the Novel in the Modern World," Dutch philosopher Peter Sloterdijk explores the relationship between religion and poetry. He argues that all religions, despite their efforts to maintain orthodox norms, contain a poetic dimension at their core. Sloterdijk further demonstrates how religions adapt and transform themselves in response to the demands of the religious marketplace, employing poetic devices to appeal to diverse audiences and maintain their relevance in modern society.

This groundbreaking study offers a fresh interpretation of religious practice and its theological development throughout history. It sheds light on the ways in which poetry has been used as a means of expressing religious beliefs and experiences, and how it has contributed to the shaping of religious traditions. Moreover, the book provides a valuable perspective on our contemporary age, characterized by the erosion of collective life and the increasing reliance on imaginative fabrications. In this context, poetry becomes an important tool for navigating the complexities of our shared reality and fostering a sense of connection and meaning.

In conclusion, the idea of a connection between poetry and religion has a long and profound history, dating back to the earliest civilizations. Through the power of poetry, humans have been able to bridge the gap between the divine and the human, allowing for a deeper understanding of the world and our place within it. Peter Sloterdijk's "The Poetic Turn" offers a valuable contribution to this field, highlighting the poetic dimension of all religions and exploring the ways in which they adapt and transform in response to the demands of modern society.

Weight: 444g
Dimension: 152 x 229 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781509547500