Synchronicity I

This chapter examines (anti)metaphysical philosophies, primarily those of Gilles Deleuze, Friedrich Nietzsche, and Martin Heidegger, which, following Emile Benveniste’s definition, use rhythm as a way to describe reality as a fluid and improvised whole. Rhythm is called on to mediate the challenge of differentiation, and even strife, as immanently generative of a harmonious whole. These thinkers adopt a synchronic perspective on rhythm as a fluid form that comes to stand in for the whole of reality, thereby mediating between differentiation and unity. The chapter then considers two different theological responses to this approach, one affirmative—that of Catherine Keller—and one critical—that of Erich Przywara—and concludes that a Benvenistian, synchronic approach to rhythm is insufficient to the requirements of Christian theology and human experience.