Journal: Global Journal of Classical Theology
Volume: GJCT 19:2 (Nov 2022)
Article: Why Christianity Is An Emancipation Narrative For François Lyotard
Author: Ron Kubsch

Why Christianity Is An Emancipation Narrative For François Lyotard

Ron Kubsch

Prodekan, Dozent für Apologetik und Neuere Theologiegeschichte, Martin Bucer Seminar, Bonn, Germany

Preliminary Remarks

Philosopher James K.A. Smith has maintained for years that the idea that Christianity is a grand narrative is simply a myth spread in Evangelical circles.1 According to the myth, Christianity is a Lyotardian metanarrative. Since a position of scepticism towards metanarratives is representative of postmodern thinking, the Christian faith would correspondingly have to behave antithetically towards Postmodernism. This antagonism, according to Smith, is the result of a superficial reading of Lyotard. A careful review of Lyotard’s writings on metanarratives can demythologise this ‘bumper-sticker’ reading and demonstrates that Lyotard’s criticism of grand narratives does not apply to Christianity. On the contrary, Christians “should find in Lyotard not an enemy but an ally; orthodox Christian faith actually requires that we, too, stop believing in metanarratives” (WAP, p. 64).

In this brief analysis I would like to provide evidence that Lyotard indeed designated Christianity as a grand narrative and treated it as one. The discussion of precisely this question follows a short introduction to the narrative manner of discourse.2

Similar to Smith, I will also predominately refer to texts by Lyotard. In contrast to Smith, I will also incorporate those writings in which the French philosopher expressly mentions Christianity.3

The End Of Metanarratives

François Lyotard

Jean François Lyotard (1924–1998)4, alongside Michel Foucault (1926–1984) and Jacques Derrida (1930–2004), all belong to the group of leading French postmodern philosophers. In 1979, by way of his book La Condition postmoderne: rapport sur le savoir (TPC), Lyotard introduced the term ”postmodern” into philosophical discussion. In light of his work, Lyotard belongs next to Richard Rorty (1931–2007) as one of the most analytical and renowned representatives of the so-called ”honorable postmodernity.”5

Petite And Grand Narratives

In order to understand Lyotard’s criticism of the pretensions of modern science, one needs to analyse his notion of the narrative manner of discourse. Narratives connect different sentential – rule systems and thereby mediate knowledge. They interpret, assert, channel and offer wisdom. Lyotard distinguishes betw...