Theology of Consent: Mimetic Theory in an Open and Relational Universe

by Jonathan Foster

In the world’s first formal attempt at blending Rene Girard’s scapegoating theory with open and relational theology, Jonathan J. Foster offers compelling insights into anthropology, theology, and the nature of love. Foster uses Girardian thinking to enhance his understanding of open and relational theology even as he allows open and relational ideas to challenge mimetic theory’s tendency to be regressive.

Theology of Mimetic Theory in an Open and Relational Universe will give you clarity around––
This is not only a smartly written dissertation-turned-book about two important philosophical paradigms but also a theopoetic story about love and its fundamental consent. In this writing, you'll discover that consent––
Theology of Mimetic Theory in an Open and Relational Universe is something of a map for those at new trailheads, interested in insightful paths, but also for those already deep in the forest of theopoetics, life, love, the church, and theology.

249 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 13, 2022

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.

Reviews

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

The early chapters on Girard's mimetic theory are very good, providing clear illustrations that ground it in the real world rather than theory. It also reveals it's limitations, being rooted in anthropology rather than metaphysics. It clarifies the world as we experience it, and can know with a degree of certainty, but still leaves us with questions. However, the remainder of the book, where he looks at Process Theology in conversation with mimetic theory, is more diffuse. In it, Foster goes on at great length about omnipotence, but there is barely a mention of kenosis or Christology. Omnipotent religion is his primary target. However, Consent = Thy will be done. Creation (in the form of us!) is given the freedom to choose or reject. Love, especially when understood as non-coercive, can easily become abstracted (Star Wars theology), whereas in the gospel it is reduced to a finite person on a cross. It becomes real. Incarnate. The weakness of Process Theology is that it is premised on the optimistic idea (myth) of progress, ever increasing complexity, rather than becoming. We are God's partners in creation not equals. The writing style, at times, is also a little stream of consciousness, a straining too hard to be both poetic and profound. This can obscure rather than reveal, although I accept the limitations of language. Another weakness is the focus on the North American literature (which includes Girard!) and his lack of engagement (apart from Teilhard de Chardin) with other European writers dealing with similar themes. I think especially of Simone Weil, Paul Fiddes, and Keith Ward. Overall, a good book, but with a broader scope it could have been so much better.

[Adam Curfman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book overall! It’s worth it just for the overviews of Mimetic theory and Open and Relational Theology. Two of the better summaries of these that I have read. But then the synthesis of these two “philosophies” (?- ideas?) was even better. Also the writing was superb - almost poetic at times.