Ralph Hancock writes that Heidegger deconstructed traditional Aristotelian and Thomist philosophy by using the radical subjectivity of Martin Luther. By adopting Luther's emphasis on faith over reason and the notion of a hidden God, Heidegger laid the groundwork for an atheistic philosophy that rejects any transcendent Good.The Breakdown of Heidegger's Philosophical ShiftPolitical scientist Ralph Hancock—such as in his essay reviews and in his discussions on the intersections of faith and reason—explores how Heidegger synthesizes (and ultimately erodes) both traditions:The Luther Connection: Heidegger's early philosophical project was heavily influenced by medieval scholasticism (including Thomism). However, his engagement with Luther’s radical Protestant theology helped him deconstruct classical teleology (the belief that the universe has an inherent, natural design and purpose).A Mutual Erosion: Hancock argues that Heidegger strips Luther of his underlying theology of God, while stripping Aristotle of the Good. Without the anchor of a rational God or a transcendent Good, this synthesis culminates in a post-Christian existentialism.The Atheistic Outcome: By discarding rational proofs (like those used by Aquinas) in favor of the Lutheran idea that God is fundamentally hidden or inaccessible to human reason, Heidegger arrives at atheism. For Heidegger, authentic human existence becomes confronting the existential reality of the world without a divine or natural order.

Ralph Hancock writes that Heidegger deconstructed traditional Aristotelian and Thomist philosophy by using the radical subjectivity of Martin Luther. By adopting Luther's emphasis on faith over reason and the notion of a hidden God, Heidegger laid the groundwork for an atheistic philosophy that rejects any transcendent Good. [1]

The Breakdown of Heidegger's Philosophical Shift

Political scientist Ralph Hancock—such as in his essay reviews and in his discussions on the intersections of faith and reason—explores how Heidegger synthesizes (and ultimately erodes) both traditions: [1]

• The Luther Connection: Heidegger's early philosophical project was heavily influenced by medieval scholasticism (including Thomism). However, his engagement with Luther’s radical Protestant theology helped him deconstruct classical teleology (the belief that the universe has an inherent, natural design and purpose). [1, 2]
• A Mutual Erosion: Hancock argues that Heidegger strips Luther of his underlying theology of God, while stripping Aristotle of the Good. Without the anchor of a rational God or a transcendent Good, this synthesis culminates in a post-Christian existentialism. [1]
• The Atheistic Outcome: By discarding rational proofs (like those used by Aquinas) in favor of the Lutheran idea that God is fundamentally hidden or inaccessible to human reason, Heidegger arrives at atheism. For Heidegger, authentic human existence becomes confronting the existential reality of the world without a divine or natural order. [1, 2]