Abstrakt
This article focuses on the idea of sacrifice in the work of the Czech phenomenologist Jan Patoka. It presents and examines this philosopher from a theological perspective against the background of the theological turn in contemporary philosophy.
First, the article focuses on Patoka's reflections on the kenotic sacrifice, which he defines as the sacrifice for nothing. Second, Patoka's thought is put into dialog with Jean-Luc Marion's phenomenological sketch of sacrifice embedded in his phenomenology of the gift.
Although both Patoka and Marion share an interest in sacrifice, a phenomenon of high theological importance, only the latter enjoys reception on the part of theology. Yet, the article argues, on the basis of further inquiry into Patoka's writings, Patoka presents a complementary and alternative perspective that not only precedes the theological turn but also challenges and opens new ways for theology.
The conclusion thus portrays a kenotic form of Christianity after the end of Christianity, drawn from Patoka, as a specific spiritual being-in-the-world.