Palgrave Handbook of Mimetic Theory and Religion
Book Description
This comprehensive handbook opens the door to understanding one of the most provocative theories about human nature and religious experience. Drawing from René Girard's groundbreaking mimetic theory, leading scholars examine how imitation, rivalry, and violence shape the very foundations of culture and faith.
The collection explores profound questions that resonate across spiritual traditions: How do rituals emerge from our deepest conflicts? What role does scapegoating play in religious communities? How do ancient patterns of sacrifice continue to influence modern society? Contributors investigate these themes through diverse lenses, from ancient tragedy to contemporary cinema, from theological reflection to economic analysis.
Rather than offering simple answers, this scholarly work invites readers into a deeper conversation about the complex relationship between violence and the sacred. The theory presented here suggests that our religious impulses and cultural institutions arise from fundamental human tendencies toward imitation and competition, patterns that both create conflict and point toward transcendence.
For those seeking to understand the psychological and anthropological dimensions of faith, this handbook provides essential insights into how religious meaning emerges from our most basic human experiences. The interdisciplinary approach bridges theology, psychology, and cultural studies, offering a framework for examining both personal spiritual development and broader social dynamics.
This substantial work serves as both introduction and advanced exploration of ideas that continue to influence contemporary discussions about religion, violence, and human transformation.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Long (> 400 pages) (~15 hours)
📄 Length: 549 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Mimesis in literature
- ✓ Understand psychological principles
- ✓ Explore Religious aspects
- ✓ Explore Scapegoat
- ✓ Explore Violence
- ✓ Explore Religion
- ✓ Explore Sacrifice
- ✓ Explore Theological anthropology
