God Is Unconscious

"Slow reading can bear fruits that are inaccessible to those who merely skim an author. DeLay has read Lacan diligently and searchingly, and he has come up with some important insights into the complex relationship of psychoanalysis, religion, and theology. Students of religion will profit from his clear and careful exposition of Lacan's rich and provocative thought. And students of Lacan will come to understand why only theologians can be truly atheistic: Our loyalties for deities come and go, but the true Other is neither in need of defense nor threatened by our disloyalties."

--Ingolf U. Dalferth, Danforth Professor of Philosophy of Religion, Claremont Graduate University



"Tad Delay has bravely explored and mapped the notoriously difficult territory of Lacan that others have only dared to read about second-hand. We should not only salute his courage, but be hugely grateful for the gifts he has returned with in this rich and important book at the bleeding edge of psychoanalysis and theology."

--Kester Brewin, author of After Magic



"God is Unconscious is a brilliant and accessible overview of Lacan's thought, demonstrating how it directly applies to religion and politics. Delay develops an original understanding of perversion, and how it applies to contemporary conservative Christianity. Anyone interested in understanding how religion works in social, political, and psychological terms should read this book."

--Clayton Crockett, Professor and Director of Religious Studies, University of Central Arkansas