Re: Original Sin -- Mimetic Theory and Literary Study

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Date Posted: 07:07:52 04/07/08 Mon
Author: Kiernan
Subject: Re: Original Sin
In reply to: Cara 's message, "Re: Original Sin" on 19:43:58 03/09/08 Sun

I think you are correct about Girard's use of language; he often uses the language of mimesis, violence, and culture to express a traditionally orthodox idea. In his interview, "The Anthropology of the Cross," Girard states:

"A deeper knowledge and self-examination are required. The knowledge of mimesis is really tied to conversion. That is why the matter of *fides quaerens intellectum* (faith seeking understanding) is so important. A personal knowledge, fully rational and yet not always accessible to reason, is needed" (268).

The language he uses here is identical to that which I was taught in church growing up - that I needed to come to a personal knowledge of my own sins. Perhaps what is most valuable about Girard's thesis is that, by revealing the true nature of the sin (i.e. acquisitive mimesis) he gives us no excuses. When we truly understand the nature of our sin - beyond the simple "It's bad" - we have no excuse to persist in it.

Girard seems very conscious in this particular interview of the analogy between the language of orthodox theology and his own; he says at the end, "The anthropology of the cross...turns out to rehabiliate orthodox theology" (288).

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