Panel: PHILOSOPHERS READING THE BIBLE



364.5 - SADE INVERTING THE BIBLE

AUTHORS:
Stickler M. (University of Vienna ~ Vienna ~ Austria)
Text:
This presentation examines the Marquis de Sade's engagement with the Bible within the context of his libertine philosophy and literary works. While Sade is best known for his provocative critiques of Catholic religion and morality, his writings reveal an intricate relationship with the Bible: He mimics it as a source of rhetorical and symbolic power, using it both to subvert religious authority and to advance his vision of socio-cultural transformation during the French Revolution. Through an analysis of selected passages from his works—Les 120 Journées de Sodome ou L'École du Libertinage, La Philosophie dans le Boudoir, Justine ou Les Malheurs de la Vertu, and L'Histoire de Juliette ou Les Prospérités du Vice—as well as his letters and biography, this paper explores how Sade engages with biblical themes from his decidedly anti-religious perspective to challenge Christian normativity of morality. Particular attention is given to his use of biblical symbolism and parallelism, as well as his subversion of biblical themes to expose the hypocrisy of Christianity and challenge theological dogmas. By engaging with key biblical themes such as sin and divine justice, Sade transforms sacred texts into instruments of critique against traditional notions of virtue and morality. Ultimately, he reappropriates concepts of (Christian) immorality and evil to frame his radical libertine philosophy.