| The aim of this investigation is to elaborate and extend Gilles Deleuze's philosophy of immanence, and to examine its possible conjunction with Christian theology as advanced in the work of John Howard Yoder. One of the questions that Deleuze's philosophy faces concerns its ability to conceive the capacity for transformation. By attending to the whole of his efforts (particularly to his concepts of the outside, the virtual, problematization, and time), I argue that there is an immanent alterity. Furthermore, by comparing his work to various theoretical rivals, I argue that Deleuze's thought preeminently pursues the capacity for transformation. Turning to Yoder, I address the relationship between immanence and Christian theology. It seems that these two must part ways, insofar as theology has long been coupled with a discourse of the transcendent---i.e., with precisely what immanence opposes. Nonetheless, I argue that Yoder s theology has a distinctive capacity to converge---peculiarly, yet powerfully---with a philosophy of immanence. The investigation concludes with an attempt to expand the philosophy of immanence beyond its Deleuzian articulation. In view of this aim, I examine the work of Theodor Adorno. I argue that, in order to advance the philosophical project of immanence, it is necessary to develop a more determinate concept of mediation. |
