@MattNoahSmith In metaphysical schtick, the distinction between mediated experience (a spoken or written map of experience, say; a system or 'creed') and immediate experience 'alive', has totalizing implications. The former, it is said, concerns religion: the latter, the quest for reality.
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One fine evening when Saint Dilbert was travelling amongst the Bozos, as he was fated to do in the days of Hypnocracy, he turned his gaze to the skies and beheld a particularly beautiful view of the full Moon hanging above the land. He thought it only natural to share this wonder with his fellow men. So he said unto them: "Far out, man! Check out that crazy moon!" And the Bozos looked at the Moon, and were indeed amazed by its majesty. But soon they were overcome with awe and turned away, finding the intensity of the thing itself to be a little much, what with being Bozos and all. So instead they gathered around Saint Dilbert and exclaimed, "Praise this wise fellow who has shown us this super hip thing! Let us follow him around and worship him and sing his praises and all that jazz, for he is a real heavy cat." Then Saint Dilbert grew perplexed, and reached out his hand, and pointed at the Moon, his finger extended towards the heavens. "No, you Bozos, stop staring at me," he cried; "
@davidrieff @nils_gilman Thank you. I'll follow the Eagleton lead. Messianology, a tough sell, of course, especially in theological circles, where it's effectively dismissed as but "the hobby of religious cranks." (Moltmann) By 'metaphysical', I presume you mean reality-based, unmediated, non-religious?
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