The Resurrection in phenomenology: Jean-Luc Marion on the ‘saturated phenomenon par excellence’

Abstract

Jean-Luc Marion has identified the resurrection as ‘the saturated phenomenon par excellence’. Marion’s proposal has had a very positive reception by theologians who have written on the theme, for example Anthony J. Kelly and Brian D. Robinette. This article explains and assesses critically the notion of the saturated phenomenon and its applicability to the resurrection. The topics that are studied include Marion’s early theological writings on the resurrection, his development of the notion of the saturated phenomenon by an original interpretation of phenomenology, his account of the resurrection as a saturated phenomenon and his explanation of the relation between faith and reason. The relevant background in contemporary French philosophy is described following Gary Gutting.