Bir Simülakr Olarak Tanrı -Jean Baudrillard’ın Simülasyon Kuramı Bağlamında-

God as a Simulacrum -In the Context of Jean Baudrillard’s Simulation Theory-

According to Baudrillard’s thinking, if intangible values are subjected to objectification, they undergo a change of meaning in the desired direction. When reduced to a signifier, an equivalent is always likely to be found. In this respect, when simulacra of God appear, He is simulated and belief in Him is reduced to signs. According to Baudrillard, the gravity of the situation caused by the simulation that occurs when God is simulacrized is indisputable. Because for the thinker, when God is simulated, the whole system will inevitably turn into a huge simulacrum. According to Baudrillard, one of the main factors in the emergence of simulacra is the human tendency to make do with appearances. As a result, when there is no system of equivalents and purposes for which humans can exchange themselves, the system shifts to any exponential structure and fictional disorder. According to the data obtained in the study, this transformation also applies to God. For example, in the history of Christianity, the definitions of omnipotence, the empire of goodness, omniscience, and events such as icons, which were decided by the councils, are indicators of the transition to a fictional disorder through simulacra replacing God. Moreover, according to Baudrillard’s thought system, references have been lost in the simulation period. In addition, based on the claim that we live under the power of simulacra as a result of the dominance of the image, the reflections, causes and functioning of the shift in meaning in daily life are revealed in the study. Thus, the concept of God, which has undergone a multidimensional change of meaning in the West, is analyzed in depth.

Keywords: Philosophy of Religion, God; Jean Baudrillard; Simulation; Simulacrum