James Alison and a Girardian Theology: Conversion, Theological Reflection, and Induction

This book connects “mimetic theory”, as developed by René Girard, to the practice of theological reflection within Christian theology. John P. Edwards explores the work of the contemporary, Catholic theologian and 'Girardian', James Alison, both as an under-examined bridge for bringing mimetic theory into conversation with Christian theological method and as one of the most compelling and refreshing theological voices of the 21st century. While Alison's theological corpus is growing steadily, very little work has been done (by him or others) to articulate his own theological method – a method that he describes concisely as a “theology in the order of the discovery” and which Edwards describes as “inductive theology.” Edwards contributes to the ongoing study of Girard by arguing that Alison's theological project outstrips Girard's application of mimetic theory to theology. He argues that an explicit Christian theological perspective is necessary for providing a fully coherent account of the meaning of "conversion" and "mimetic desire" within a Girardian perspective. Edwards' development of Alison's “inductive” theology advances the conversation between mimetic theory and theology, simultaneously serving the growing number of scholars from a range of disciplines already engaged with Girard and opening a new doorway through which more Christian theologians might be enticed to consider Girard and 'Girardians' as dialogue partners rich in theological insight.

• | Author: John P. Edwards
• | Publisher: T&T Clark
• | Publication Date: May 14, 2020
• | Number of Pages: 224 pages
• | Language: English
• | Binding: Hardcover
• | ISBN-10: 0567689050
• | ISBN-13: 9780567689054