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Foreword
Violence
Renounced
"Violence Renounced offers
a constellation of interconnected studies, which open up
new possibilities to creatively transform relationships
at both the interpersonal and inter-group level.
"Several chapters are themselves
worth the price of the book, based as it is on the
thought of René Girard. Rebecca Adams shows how mimetic
desire is not necessarily linked to rivalry and violence,
but can form the essence of the kind of love which leads
to the well-being of the Other. And Willard
Swartley’s thorough exegesis of mimesis texts in the
New Testament establishes ethical teachings which are
theologically and personally inspiring. Sandor
Goodhart’s sensitive treatment of the Suffering
Servant motif from the perspective of scapegoating
revealed is a must-read for anyone interested in
Jewish-Christian dialogue and understanding. atonement
theology takes on new life as Robin Collins invites us to
"an incarnational theory of mimetic
participation." James Williams on "King as
Servant" blends his profound knowledge of Girard
with his creative Hebrew exegesis and passion for
Christian discipleship.
"All this and more. This book is a
cornucopia of insight—the fruit of theological
reflection and the grist for creative imaginings. The
hard and thorough scholarly work mingles with the loving
spirits of the contributors adding to our understanding
of what it takes to resonate with the Spirit of the
loving Creator, always acting even when victimization and
violence threaten to drain every ounce of energy. Beyond
a significant contribution to Girardian studies of
mimetic phenomena, it holds its own theologically and
there is much to make the discerning reader a better
person." —Vern Neufeld Redekop, President,
Canadian Institute for Conflict Resolution, Saint Paul,
University of Ottawa
"In reading this rich collection
of essays we are privileged to witness a vigorous
exchange between spirited scribes and Rene Girard. His
work has challenged them to grapple in a most fundamental
way with the relationship between violence, religion, the
God of the Bible, and the death of his Christ. The stakes
are high in this debate. We will want to inject at times
noisy applause, at others equally noisy protest. And
since we will do so at various points in the debate, we
can be assured of spirited arguments also in the gallery.
The arguments are well worth it, indeed necessary, even
if we should take care not to let them impede attentive
listening to this circle of discernment." —Tom
Yoder Neufeld, Associate Professor of Bible and Peace and
Conflict Studies, Conrad Grebel College/University of
Waterloo
"The eminent literary and cultural
critic Rene Girard dared to propose a comprehensive
theory on the origins and pervasiveness of violence. In
this volume thirteen biblical scholars and theologians
have dared to respond. This is scholarship at its best:
taking theory seriously and exploring the implications.
Girard in his noteable concluding response emphasizes
again the urgency this reality poses not only for
scholars but for "the whole global culture in which
we live." —John A. Lapp, Executive
Secretary Emeritus, Mennonite Central Committee
"Attesting to the maturation of
reflection on the work of René Girard over the past
decade, this compelling and well-crafted volume is a
substantive contribution to Girard scholarship. Clearly
demonstrating the ongoing importance of Girard’s
thought, the contributors offer strong, probing, and
provocative assessments of its significance.
"Developed from a set of
conference presentations and responses, this anthology
demonstrates all of the strengths of that genre and none
of its weaknesses. Capturing the spirit of a memorable
gathering, the contributors engage each other within and
across chapters, preserving their conversations in ways
that bring alive for the reader contested and varied
readings of Girard. Moving reflection on Girard to the
next level, the contributors secure this book’s
import
"Readers newly acquainted with
Girard and well as those long steeped in his thought will
find much to ponder here. A notable achievement! —Martha
J. Reineke Professor of Religion, University of Northern
Iowa
Violence Renounced
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