Material Kenosis

“Material Kenosis sets forth a thought-provoking ‘Catholic philosophy of death.’ And in a Balthasarian vein, it seeks to be the ‘guardian’ of death’s metaphysical mystery in all its radical negativity. Yet, this guardianship is not motivated by thanatomania. No, death is guarded because it is not the last nihilistic word. For death is a ‘negation without an annihilation.’ Stango’s gaze is fixed on this ‘negation’ so that the fleshed Word’s kenotic and transformative victory rings out in all its horrifying and fantastic truth. This text is metaphysically fresh and deeply existential. Strongly recommended.”
—Philip John Paul Gonzales, Associate Professor of Philosophy, St. Mary’s Seminary and University, Baltimore

“Marco Stango is one of the most promising philosophical minds of my acquaintance. He composes philosophical arguments like a master pianist improvising on a familiar theme, drawing from an apparently inexhaustible treasury of musical experience, to produce something beautiful, something both surprising and memorable. In Material Kenosis, he engages with an astonishing diversity of philosophers, and indeed philosophical traditions, showing how the ineluctable mystery of death, without ever being perverted into a positive reality, can glorify the gift-character of existence, stretch the analogy of being, and even illuminate the incarnation of God, all the while remaining the last thing anyone could ever want. This is a book to read and reread many times over.”
—D. C. Schindler, author of Love and the Postmodern Predicament

“In good Socratic fashion, Marco Stango shows us that we—even we Christians—don’t know as much as we think we do about death. But thankfully he doesn’t stop there. With his notion of ‘material kenosis,’ Stango goes a long way in showing us what we can and should know. This creative retrieval of Thomistic hylomorphism is a profound philosophical reflection and a must-read for all of those interested in the philosophy and theology of death and dying.” 
—Rodney Howsare, Professor of Fundamental Theology, DeSales University, Center Valley, Pennsylvania