James Alison and a Girardian Theology
Book Description
This scholarly exploration bridges two powerful intellectual traditions to offer fresh insights for contemporary spiritual seekers and theologians. John P. Edwards examines how mimetic theory, the groundbreaking work of René Girard that reveals how human desire shapes our relationships and conflicts, can transform Christian theological understanding through the innovative approach of Catholic theologian James Alison.
Edwards presents Alison as an underappreciated voice whose "theology in the order of discovery" offers a compelling alternative to traditional theological methods. Rather than starting with established doctrines, this inductive approach begins with lived experience and works toward theological understanding. The book demonstrates how this method creates space for genuine spiritual conversion and deeper comprehension of human desire within a Christian framework.
The author argues that Alison's theological project actually surpasses Girard's own applications of mimetic theory to religious questions. By maintaining an explicitly Christian perspective, Alison provides what Edwards sees as a more complete understanding of conversion and the complex dynamics of human longing that drive both our spiritual growth and our conflicts.
This work serves multiple audiences: scholars already engaged with Girardian thought will find new depths to explore, while Christian theologians unfamiliar with mimetic theory discover an accessible entry point into these transformative ideas. Edwards opens pathways for understanding how ancient wisdom and contemporary insights can illuminate the spiritual journey in unexpected ways.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~7 hours)
📄 Length: 240 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore timeless philosophical wisdom
- ✓ Explore Philosophers
- ✓ Explore Biography
- ✓ Explore Apologetics
- ✓ Explore Christianity
- ✓ Explore Philosophy
- ✓ Explore Religious aspects
- ✓ Explore Imitation
