Abstract

The purpose of this dissertation is threefold: To set forth and critically survey the manner in which the philosophy of Martin Heidegger has been taken up and elaborated by some of his most notable theological interpreters. This investigation and description encompasses an extensive search of the literature re: the uses of, and commentators upon, the philosophy of Heidegger by theologians in pursuit of their own subject matter. To provide a review of Heidegger's own writings on the relation of philosophy and theology. This review seeks to explicate the attitude of Heidegger himself concerning the relation of these two disciplines, through reference to his works and through interpretation of the several philosophical positions of Heidegger which have been of the greatest consequence for the relationship between philosophy and theology. And, finally, to arrange some points of discussion, and some indicators, concerning both the perils and possibilities inherent in the relationship of philosophy and theology and, in so doing, to offer a non-exclusive antecedent model, using Heidegger's premise concerning "the end of philosophy," for use in any future discussions of the relationship between the two disciplines, philosophy and theology