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Jouissance, Generation and the Coming of God

ralph.norman{at}canterbury.ac.uk

This essay explores the place of jouissance in recent theory, traces its roots in Romantic conceptions of the Sublime, and contrasts it with alternative interpretations of orgasm in theological tradition. The key problem with jouissance is that it can act as a cipher for the silencing of women in theological discourse. More positive interpretations of orgasm place an emphasis on generative pleasure—such interpretations were an important part of an older theological tradition including Tertullian and Hildegard. It becomes possible to draw on traditional sources when constructing liberative theological interpretations of sexual activity. As Aristotle argued, orgasm is pneumatic.

Key Words: Irigaray • Lacan • Burke • Kant • Schelling • orgasm • jouissance

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