Why does Girard think that Christians are often nervous about comparing Christianity to myths?
Because Christianity and myths are extremely similar. Christians would never want to accept their faith as a myth.
Why does he think that this is a mistake?
Because myths threaten the uniqueness of Christianity.
Why does Girard think the commandments are important?
Because we are naturally inclined to desire what our neighbor possesses, the commandments foster human communities and harmony.
How does he understand the tenth commandment?
The tenth commandment addresses mimetic desire directly.
What is mimetic desire? Mimetic Contagion?
The desire to have whatever belongs to other people, or wanting to be like other people. Imitating desire spreading is mimetic contagion.
Are our desires really our own? Are they subjective, objective or something else?
No they are not our own, things aren't inherently valuable, third parties give value to object. Things are desirable when other people want it.
How does mimetic desire/contagion lead to violence?
Because if our desire to be like a model is strong enough, we will want to have what that model has or be what that model is. If this is carried far enough, we become the rivals of our model and go so far as violence to be or have what that model has.
How does mimetic desire/contagion lead to violence?
Because if our desire to be like a model is strong enough, we will want to have what that model has or be what that model is. If this is carried far enough, we become the rivals of our model and go so far as violence to retrieve what that model has.
How do Peter and Pilate show the power of mimetic contagion?
Peter, when surrounded by people hostile to Jesus, he imitates their hostility. He obeys the same mimetic force, ultimately, as Pilate. They both follow the crowd.
How are the Old and New Testaments different from myths?
They see the victim as innocent, and then sacred whereas myths see the victim as guilty.
How does Jesus present something different from the Old Testament? What does he uncover?
Divinity of the victim; Jesus himself was a collective victim
What does Girard mean by "Satan"? What are some of the names of Satan?
The entire single victim process (accusing and lynching a victim) is Satan. Father of lies, the seducer, adversary, public prosecutor, accuser.
What does it mean to imitate Jesus' desire?
To imitate Jesus' desire is to try to resemble God the father as much as possible.
What does imitation of Jesus' desire lead to?
Leads us away from violence
Does Girard think Satan is a real figure?
He has no real being, he becomes present in mimetic rivalry and through the victim mechanism. He exists as a parasite on the being of humankind.
Why does Girard think it is important to think about this figure in the Bible? What is the role of Satan on Girard's view? How does this role relate to the ten commandments and to the counter-model of Jesus?
1. Like Jesus, Satan seeks to have others imitate him, so it is important to think about how people imitate Satan in the bible (like Peter "get away Satan!")
2. The role of Satan is organized around scandal and mimetic phenomena
3. The ten commandments te
What is the most important danger facing communities that the commandments address?
Violence; thou shall not kill.