Method in Mimetic Theory: René Girard and Christian Theology

Abstract This article elucidates the persistently nebulous methodological and disciplinary status of René Girard's mimetic theory, particularly vis‐à‐vis Christian theology. Whether “Girardian theology” strikes one as tautologous or oxymoronic, proliferation Girardian theological scholarship warrants a sustained analysis self‐understanding it is both proclaimed performed. Opening with brief précis theory's chief tenets contributions to anthropology, I proceed review corpus according his preferred designation—social scientist—by adducing coordinating sporadic, evolving, occasionally conflicting manifestos their textual enactment. After proffering several reasons for uneasy relationship broader social‐scientific community, turn theology consider if there are any apt analogues theory amongst theology's many ancillae ages past. While ultimately proposing four features demarcating sui generis in this regard, propose heuristic characterization its by utilizing Aristotelian‐Thomistic category “subalternate science.” Following effort situate more precisely between disciplines relation theology, offer classification intended resolve at least mitigate various tensions raised preceding analysis. To do so, suitably paradoxical twofold typology revealed scientific anthropology postmodern deconstructive apologetic (or apologia Christianity). Although preoccupation reflection can be practically debilitating, hope demonstrate fittingness, relevance, productivity inimitable case Girard.