ABSTRACT
This chapter considers Michel Foucault’s philosophy of religion, for two reasons. As the Cold War’s ideologies continue to recede, the more traditional religious cultures of the west are reasserting themselves. It is probably too early to assess the prediction of Samuel Huntington that the major shift in our time is from a world of political states driven by their interests to a globe of clashing civilizations rooted in cultural identities. As he puts the issue: ‘While a country could avoid Cold War alignment, it cannot lack an identity. The question, ‘‘Which side are you on’’ has been replaced by the much more fundamental one, ‘‘Who are you?’’’1 In dealing with this question of identity, of belonging, and of not belonging, religion seems to be assuming a central role. Secondly, Foucault’s philosophy seems to possess particular strengths for the analysis of this new regime; his importance for religious studies is beginning to be appreciated.2 I will write of what Foucault has to offer us in this realm, especially the very last stage of his work, his consideration of ‘speaking frankly’, of ‘parrhesia’. Facing death, Foucault continued to try to return philosophy to being a way of life and not just a university discipline. Perhaps consideration of his philosophy of religion will strengthen that effort. Another consequence may be the renewal of parrhesia as a religious ideal.
