The animal and the angel: a bataillean ecclesiology?

Abstract

This article seeks to investigate whether it is possible to identify, in the works of the philosopher Georges Bataille, a notion of what a “church” might be. To do this, I must lay the foundations for a positive answer to this question. My plan will follow the development and explanation of this basis in: (1) the notion of the “animal” which, being a symbol and experience of the original undifferentiated totality, where there is neither “I” nor “you”, is simultaneously a primordial mystical experience and a source of vitality for a community. (2) The notion of the “angel”, as the one being capable of damaging a subject's individuality and suspending their daily selfishness, making room for communication between beings, and not just the mechanical juxtaposition of limbs. (3) The notion of the “church”, comprehended as the hierarchical organization of beings who communicate to each other the mystical experience of the divine, in other words, an angelic chain that is reconciliation. The proximity between the animal and the angel will give rise to the devil. A Bataillian ecclesiology is the structure of systematic animalization through the coordinated action of angels; in other words: a pandemonium. At the conclusion of my work, I will finally be able to (4) have a critical evaluation of the enterprise.