Description
Book SynopsisWilliam L. Newell presents a comprehensive analysis of René Girard's work on the origins of culture and the depths of human desire. Girard makes no claim toward a theory of religion, but he lays the groundwork for a postmodern theory of it. Girard's desire concerns fallen humanity, those insanely imitating what they lacked, and his use of the Bible brings back into play the idea of the holy in secular academia. Newell challenges Girard's interpretation of Jesus's Passion as non-sacrificial and he offers a close reading of Girard's works on mimetic desire, scape-goating, and sacrifice, and Newell creates breakthrough theology on Jesus in the Excursus. Girard makes no claim to having a theory of religion, but he lays the groundwork for a postmodern theory of it, and in this book, Newell seeks to begin a theory of the end of the sacred and what will be in its place: the holy.
Trade ReviewWilliam Newell’s book on René Girard is must reading for anyone interested in this original thinker who has become increasingly important in psychological, philosophical, and theological circles. -- Harvey D. Egan S.J., Boston College
Table of ContentsPart I Chapter 1: A Foundational Murder Chapter 2: Ressentiment Redivivus Chapter 3: Violence, Myth and the Sacred Chapter 4: Logos in Heraclitus and John Chapter 5: Things Hidden Since the Foundation of the World Chapter 6: Christ’s Passion: A Non-Sacrificial Death Part II Chapter 7: Jesus’ Foundational Event Excursus: Jesus: a Life Conclusion
