John D. Caputo’s concept of religion

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to critically analyse the concept of religion as defined by the American philosopher John D. Caputo. Caputo wants to rethink religion and propose its new variety. This is the so-called radical religion, i.e. a religion devoid of doctrine, worship and social organisation. It takes the form of an experience of the mysterious depths of being and responding to the call (impulse) of contact with the world. The article consists of three parts. In the first, which provides their background, the fundamental problems of understanding religion, especially its European and Christian contexts, are presented. In the second, the main differences between confessional religion (doctrine, ritual and institution) and radical religion (experience of the depth, mystery of being and divine call) are outlined. The third part focuses on Caputo’s vision of radical religion as ethics, defined as a commitment to responding to the call of contact with the world, especially with human beings.