James Alison and a Girardian Theology: Conversion, Theological Reflection, and Induction

Opening with a Foreword by James Alison, this volume is the first in-depth treatment of Alisons theological method. John P. Edwards shows that Alisons theological project outstrips René Girards application of mimetic theory to theology. He concludes that an explicitly Christian theological perspective is necessary for providing a fully coherent account of Girards notions of conversion and mimetic desire. This volume grounds Alisons theological method in his understanding of the ongoing interaction between conversion and theological reflection, which is informed by his use of mimetic theory. While Alison describes this method as theology in the order of the discovery, the author refers to it as an inductive theology. The volume closes by demonstrating that such a theology bears fruit in a renewed understanding of the value of Christian doctrines and, particularly, the doctrine of revelation. See more