William L. Newell presents a comprehensive analysis of Rene Girard's work on the origins of culture and the depths of human desire. Girard makes no claim toward a theory of religion, but he lays the groundwork for a postmodern theory of it. Girard's desire concerns fallen humanity, those insanely imitating what they lacked, and his use of the Bible brings back into play the idea of the holy in secular academia. Newell challenges Girard's interpretation of Jesus's Passion as non-sacrificial and he offers a close reading of Girard's works on mimetic desire, scape-goating, and sacrifice, and Newell creates breakthrough theology on Jesus in the Excursus. Girard makes no claim to having a theory of religion, but he lays the groundwork for a postmodern theory of it, and in this book, Newell seeks to begin a theory of "the end of the sacred" and what will be in its place: the holy.

About the Author
William Newell is professor of philosophy at Eastern Connecticut State University.

Reviews
William Newell's book on Rene Girard is must reading for anyone interested in this original thinker who has become increasingly important in psychological, philosophical, and theological circles. -- Harvey D. Egan S.J., Boston College



Book Information
ISBN 9780739171097
Author William L. Newell
Format Hardback
Page Count 254
Imprint Lexington Books
Publisher Lexington Books
Weight(grams) 531g
Dimensions(mm) 234mm * 160mm * 24mm