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Julia Kristeva's 'Culture of Revolt' and (Post) Modern Religious Subjectivity

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Julia Kristeva's 'Culture of Revolt' and (Post) Modern Religious Subjectivity Julia Kristeva’s ‘Culture of Revolt’ and (Post) Modern Religious Subjectivity by Bonnie de Bruijn A thesis submitted in conformity with the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy Department for the Study of Religion University of Toronto © Copyright by Bonnie de Bruijn 2016 Julia Kristeva’s ‘Culture of Revolt’ and (Post) Modern Religious Subjectivity Bonnie de Bruijn Doctor of Philosophy Department for the Study of Religion University of Toronto 2016 Abstract This study offers a close reading of Julia Kristeva’s theories of ‘intimate revolt’ and ‘revolt culture’ and applies them to discussions of religious subjectivity. Decidedly non-militaristic, intimate revolt is reconceived in psychoanalytic and literary terms to mean an ongoing process of introspection and interrogation. The notion is derived from a multi-faceted and dynamic view of the mind, which, I submit, can broaden our conceptualization of religious subjectivity in popular discourse and vis-à-vis other psychoanalytic interpretations of religion. Indeed, Kristeva’s seemingly ambiguous treatment of Christianity is better understood in light of her theory of intimate revolt, which accepts and encourages working through competing ideas. Taking seriously the socio-political implications of intimate revolt, the overarching questions of this project are whether or not religion can fit into Kristeva’s vision of revolt culture, and, if so, what it might look like. I argue that, while she privileges aesthetic and psychoanalytic forms of revolt, Kristeva leaves open the possibility of intimate revolt in religion, particularly through her discussions of ‘the sacred’ and Christian mysticism. Finally, I survey progressive Christianity and John Caputo’s postmodern religion to identify potential examples of religious subjects who contribute to a culture of revolt. I conclude that – to the degree that it may be possible – intimate revolt should be promoted in religion today. ii Acknowledgments This venture would not have been possible without the support of many wonderful people, for whom I would like to express my gratitude. Foremost, my thanks go to Dr. James DiCenso for his availability, helpful insights, respectful challenges to my work and confidence in its value; I have very much enjoyed working with him on this project. Thanks to Dr. Marsha Hewitt, for her always-open door and thought-provoking reflections, and to Dr. Mari Ruti, for her thoroughness and professionalism. I consider myself fortunate to have had an advisory committee of highly talented scholars and also caring mentors. My doctoral experience was undoubtedly bettered because of my colleagues at the University of Toronto. Special mention must be given to fellow doctoral students Dr. Nicholas Dion, Dr. Barbara Greenberg, Dr. Esther de Bruijn and Dr. Nick Morwood; I gained so much from our many debates and inspiring discussions. And, of course, thanks to Fereshteh Hashemi for always going above and beyond her administrative duties. I am thankful for the support of all of my friends. In particular, I owe much to Madelaine Mahesh, who lived downstairs, and with whom I shared the dual-task of school and motherhood. Her engaged listening, words of encouragement, and compassionate friendship were invaluable. And I am grateful for Jennifer Campbell, whose generosity of time and spirit helped me immensely in the home stretch. I am so appreciative of my family, whose pride and confidence in me was a constant encouragement. Thanks in particular go to my parents, who babysat, asked questions about my research, asked for updates on my progress, and bragged to curling buddies. But perhaps most of all, I am grateful to them for instilling in me the passion and pleasure to take on the challenge of thinking. In other words, for cultivating in me, by way of example, the desire to “revolt.” Finally, but not least of all, I thank my husband Migüel. He has been nothing but loving, patient, and reassuring throughout this journey. Je te remercie mille fois, de tout mon coeur. iii Table of Contents Acknowledgments ......................................................................................................................... ii! Table of Contents ......................................................................................................................... iv! Introduction ................................................................................................................................... 1 1! Method: Psychoanalysis and Kristeva ....................................................................................... 4! 2! Layout ........................................................................................................................................ 5! 3! Concluding Words ..................................................................................................................... 8 Chapter 1: Reconceptualizing Revolt………………………………………………………… 10 1! Freudian Revolts ...................................................................................................................... 10! 1.1! Transgression .................................................................................................................... 11! 1.1.1! Totem & Taboo ..................................................................................................... 11! 1.1.2! Oedipus ................................................................................................................. 11! 1.1.3! Why We Can’t Revolt ........................................................................................... 14! 1.2! Anamnesis ......................................................................................................................... 18! 1.2.1! The Return of the Repressed ................................................................................. 19! 1.2.2! Timelessness ......................................................................................................... 20! 1.2.2.1! (A)temporality of the Unconscious ........................................................ 21! 1.2.2.2! The Scandal of the Timeless ................................................................... 21! 1.2.2.3! (A)temporality in Psychoanalysis ........................................................... 25! 1.3! The Combinatory/Games .................................................................................................. 29! 1.3.1! Kristeva’s “Subject in Process” ............................................................................ 31! 1.3.2! Revolt Against Identity ......................................................................................... 33! 1.3.3! The Risk of Revolt ................................................................................................ 36! 2! Concluding Remarks ................................................................................................................ 40 Chapter 2: Intimate Revolt…………….………………………………………………………41 iv 1! The Intimate ............................................................................................................................. 42! 2! The Imaginary (Access to the Rebellious Intimate) ................................................................. 45! 2.1! Birth of the Imaginary ....................................................................................................... 46! 2.1.1! Abjection ............................................................................................................... 47! 2.1.2! Primary Identification ........................................................................................... 50! 2.2! The Power of the Imaginary ............................................................................................. 52! 2.2.1! Depression and Melancholia ................................................................................. 52! 2.2.2! An Imaginary Cure ............................................................................................... 55! 3! Intimate Revolt ......................................................................................................................... 60! 4! Concluding Remarks ................................................................................................................ 63 Chapter 3: From Intimate Revolt to Revolt Culture…………………...………………………64 1! Kristeva, Psychoanalysis and Politics ...................................................................................... 65! 2! Inner Revolt/Public Action ...................................................................................................... 69! 2.1! Individual Health .............................................................................................................. 70! 2.2! Social Health ..................................................................................................................... 71! 3! The Power of Intimate Revolt Culture ..................................................................................... 74! 3.1! Arendt on Thinking: Can thinking prevent evil? .............................................................. 74! 3.2! Thinking as Revolt ............................................................................................................ 80! 4! Conditions for Intimate Revolt Culture .................................................................................... 82! 4.1! Listening Other ................................................................................................................
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