Nomad Podcast James Alison - Scapegoat: How Civilisation Harms and How the Cross Heals (N184)
11 snips
Nov 8, 2018 
James Alison, a Catholic theologian and priest known for his insights on mimetic theory, joins the discussion to explore the concept of scapegoating and its role in shaping civilizations. He explains how the act of scapegoating perpetuates societal violence, while also illustrating how the cross offers a path to healing. The conversation challenges traditional atonement models, advocating for a more compassionate understanding of sin, emphasizing reconciliation and communal love over divine wrath.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Desire Is Social, Not Solitary
- René Girard's mimetic desire says we copy others' desires and thus form our wants socially rather than from within.
- That imitation is necessary for learning but risks flipping into rivalry and violence when people become too similar.
Rivalry Erupts Into Group Violence
- Mimetic rivalry becomes contagious in groups and can escalate into an all-against-all crisis that threatens the group's survival.
- The scapegoat mechanism often emerges to restore temporary peace by uniting the group against one victim.
Mr. Silberstein: How Scapegoats Appear
- James Alison uses a hypothetical crowd and 'Mr. Silberstein the barber' to show how a neutral person becomes suddenly branded as the enemy.
- He links that dynamic to political demagogues who exploit crowd frenzy and pick scapegoats for unity.
