Pious Nietzsche: Decadence and Dionysian Faith (Indiana Series in the Philosophy of Religion)

Bruce Ellis Benson puts forward the surprising idea that Nietzsche was never a godless nihilist, but was instead deeply religious. But how does Nietzsche affirm life and faith in the midst of decadence and decay? Benson looks carefully at Nietzsche's life history and views of three decadents, Socrates, Wagner, and Paul, to come to grips with his pietistic turn. Key to this understanding is Benson's interpretation of the powerful effect that Nietzsche thinks music has on the human spirit. Benson claims that Nietzsche's improvisations at the piano were emblematic of the Dionysian or frenzied, ecstatic state he sought, but was ultimately unable to achieve, before he descended into madness. For its insights into questions of faith, decadence, and transcendence, this book is an important contribution to Nietzsche studies, philosophy, and religion. Front Matter Contents Preface Acknowledgments Abbreviations Introduction: Improvising Pietism Part I: From Christian Pietism to Dionysian Pietism 1. The Prayers and Tears of Young Fritz 2. The Euthanasia of Christianity 3. The Piety of Zarathustra Part II: Profiles in Decadence 4. Nietzsche's Decadence 5. Socrates' Fate 6. Wagner's Redemption 7. Paul's Revenge Part III: Nietzsche's New Pietism 8. Deconstructing the Redeemer 9. Nietzsche's Musical Askesis 10. We, Too, Are Still Pious Notes Works Cited Index Introduction: Improvising Pietism -- The Prayers And Tears Of Young Fritz -- The Euthanasia Of Christianity -- The Piety Of Zarathustra -- Nietzsche's Decadence -- Socrates' Fate -- Wagner's Redemption -- Paul's Revenge -- Deconstructing The Redeemer -- Nietzsche's Musical Askêsis -- We, Too, Are Still Pious. Bruce Ellis Benson. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 249-260) And Index. Introduction: improvising pietism The prayers and tears of young Fritz The euthanasia of Christianity The piety of Zarathustra Nietzsche's decadence Socrates' fate Wagner's redemption Paul's revenge Deconstructing the redeemer Nietzsche's musical askēsis We, too, are still pious.