Violence, Desire, and the Sacred, Volume 2 - by Scott Cowdell & Chris Fleming & Joel Hodge (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

This collection of state of the art interpretations of the thought of René Girard follows on from the volume Violence, Desire, and the Sacred: Girard's Mimetic Theory Across the Disciplines (2012). The previous collection has been acclaimed for demonstrating and showcasing Girard's mimetic theory at its inter-disciplinary best by bringing together scholars who apply Girard's insights in different fields. This new volume builds on and extends the work of that earlier collection by moving into new areas such as psychology, politics, classical literature, national literature, and practical applications of Girard's theory in pastoral/spiritual care, peace-making and religious thought and practice.

Review Quotes

A half century after Rene Girard introduced the world to mimetic theory with a series of ground-breaking works on desire, rivalry, scapegoating, and sacrifice, "Violence, Desire, and the Sacred-Volume Two," offers powerful testimony that mimetic theory continues to flourish. Following in the footsteps of Girard, whose explorations span the humanities and social sciences, the contributors to this interdisciplinary collection demonstrate how mimetic theory continues to illuminate a broad range of phenomena in areas such as politics, cultural studies, psychology, and literature. Including incisive analyses by well-known Girardian scholars as well as innovative and engaging commentaries by a new generation of researchers, this second volume builds on the promise of the first. Featuring theoretical perspectives as well as practical applications of mimetic theory, the essays in this collection demonstrate that mimetic theory remains a vital resource for all those who seek not only to understand the violence that imperils human existence but also to break its hold. Like a richly textured fabric, "Violence, Desire, and the Sacred-Volume Two" attracts and holds our interest, whether we examine the compelling pattern of the whole or focus on each vibrant thread."

Chris Fleming's call in 2004 to take up Rene Girard's research programme has been convincingly answered by The Australian Girard Seminar and their distinguished guests. Volume Two of "Violence, Desire, and the Sacred" is important to anyone working in mimetic theory and a persuasive model for those who would productively integrate interdisciplinary researchers."

In a variety of approaches this collection explains, expounds, expands, criticizes, and, significantly, applies Rene Girard's mimetic theory. The reader comes away not only with a renewed appreciation of mimetic theory's vitality and versatility, but also with new eyes for reading the Psalms and American dystopian literature, for seeing the ecclesial sex abuse crisis and Australian politics, for looking at the war on terror and the scapegoating of cheerleaders. Very impressive."

About the Author

Scott Cowdell is Associate Professor and Research Fellow in Public and Contextual Theology at Charles Sturt University, Australia, Canon Theologian of the Canberra-Goulburn Anglican Diocese, and Founding President of the Australian Girard Seminar.

Chris Fleming is Senior Lecturer in Philosophy and Anthropology at the University of Western Sydney, Australia. His is the author of Violence and Mimesis (2004) and is current Vice-President of the Australian Girard Seminar.

Joel Hodge is Lecturer in Systematic Theology at Australian Catholic University, Australia. He is the author of Resisting Violence and Victimisation: Christian Faith and Solidarity in East Timor (2012) and is current Treasurer and Secretary of the Australian Girard Seminar.