On Theology and the “Overcoming” of Metaphysics: Falque, Betz, Heidegger, and Marion

Abstract John Betz and Emmanuel Falque have recently defined “metaphysics” as something intrinsic to the Christian faith. This faith, they claim, has always spoken metaphysically, until lately challenged by the likes of Heidegger and Marion. However, when we consider Heidegger and Marion's account, we find a completely different approach to metaphysics. For them, “metaphysics” is about modern metaphysics, defined with a view towards explaining the “devastation” of modern European and American society, its loss of religion, its wars, its technological and environmental decimation, and its philosophical and theological failures. This article revisits this debate and contends that until a more accurate understanding of Heidegger is achieved, no genuine debate on the nature of “metaphysics” is possible. To that end, I present the arguments of Betz and Falque, provide a more substantive engagement with Heidegger's thought on metaphysics, and then conclude with further implications for theology in its relation to metaphysics.