Violence, Desire, and the Sacred, Volume 1: Girard's Mimetic Theory Across the Disciplines

‘A fascinating contribution to the growing intellectual excitement about a major insight into the causes and possible cures for the violence that threatens us from within and without. Rene Girard’s mimetic theory brings together not just philosophers, theologians, and literary people, but also theoreticians and practitioners from practically all the social and natural sciences to talk about and work toward lessening the internal and external violence that threatens our human existence. Remarkable that such a rich conversation could come from just one country!’ –Robert J. Daly, S.J., Professor Emeritus of Theology, Boston College

‘This very impressive volume shows how mimetic theory has broken free of its transatlantic origins, inspiring first-rate scholarship from around the world, most notably Australia. The interdisplinary richness of the theory remains intact: established scholars and new voices provide the customary insightful readings of theological and literary texts, alongside new trajectories, in history and in neuroscience. Violence, Desire and the Sacred is an indispensible survey of the state of play with regard to the latest wave of Girardian studies.’ –Dr Michael Kirwan SJ, Head of Theology, Heythrop College, University of London

Chris Fleming is Senior Lecturer in Philosophy and Anthropology, School of Humanities and Languages, the University of Western Sydney, Australia. His is the author of Violence and Mimesis (Polity Press/Blackwell, 2004) and is current Vice-President of the Australian Girard Seminar.

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

Wolfgang Palaver is Professor and Chair of the Institute for Systematic Theology at the University of Innsbruck, Austrian, and President of the Colloquium on Violence & Religion (COV&R)