Mimetic Theory and Biblical Interpretation: Reclaiming the Good News of the Gospel (Cascade Companions) Paperback – June 19, 2017

Hardin's "Mimetic Theory and Biblical Interpretation" is a must read for anyone who claims to follow Jesus of Nazareth. Incorporating René Girard's mimetic theory and decades of research, Hardin masterfully shows how "the intelligence of the victim", as a hermeneutic, sheds a spot light on our dark, violent, and death-filled ideologies, interpretations of Scripture, and very core of our being. Hardin's book illuminates the scriptural trajectory from Genesis to the cross as one which is comprised of multiple voices. In those voices, we are called by a whisper from the future, breaking into our violent, blind, and darkened being, saying, "Shalom." God's peace-making voice calls all people in the present to see, embody, and engage the world through God's eyes, God's method of interpretation, and God's model Jesus Christ, the Fogiving Victim, in order to break free from our violent ways of being human and embrace the life of the age to come. I can't recommend this book enough. Get it. Munch on it, digest it, and all own the soft whisper of peaceful love change your very being as you read Hardin's transformative book.

Aptly titled -- is a splendid primer to mimetic theory & biblical interpretation -- a short, breezy, little over 100+ pages. A short concise summation of what mimetic theory is all about, then into subsequent chapters where biblical interpretation and how it's affected by the advances of mimetic theory. The author repeatedly draws out the distinction between a sacrificial (just like any other pagan religion) and non-sacrificial understanding of scripture and the Gospel narrative.Accessible to lay audience though the text does dip into theological concepts/constructs of atonement and eschatology.What's terrific are all the referential pointers for a reader to go deeper. Not just in the Bibliography, but sprinkled throughout text are blurbs that direct you to go deeper. And a nice Postlude with pointers on where to explore further, if the reader is interested in various aspects covered in this short volume.

I wish the book had been MUCH longer. I love books that leave me hungering for more (as this book did).I do feel like the book could have flowed a little better. I follow Hardin on Facebook, and I got the feeling that a lot of this book consisted of copy-pasting some of his excellent Facebook posts...But whatever ... this book is a great introduction to reading Scripture through mimetic theory. Buy it, read it, and let your eyes be opened.

As I was before reading, I remain appreciative of some of Girardian theory, while not being quite a convinced a Girardian myself. Nevertheless, let me be clear, Michael Hardin offers the church such a magnificent theology of the Eucharist in chapter 6 that I'm excited to recommend the book on that strength alone, and to request that the author consider devoting his efforts toward an expanded and more fully developed work on the same subject in a future endeavor.- Daniel Skillman

If you are seeking an intelligent approach to theology and biblical interpretation, consider this gem. The theory and applications presented are well worth the brief reading time. A wholistic, non-sacrificial approach to the scriptures is presented in a very readable way.If you believe (or suspect) that the standard approach of religion is antiquated and even obsolete, you will enjoy reading this refreshing approach to the bible that uncovers a wonderful secret, God does not want or need our sacrifice. In fact, sacrifice is the problem. Hardin uncovers a view if God "from below" or more precisely, centered in the crucifixion.I recommend this book with all my heart. The only criticism that I could offer is that the book could have offered more. I hope Michael will follow through on the threat of writing a comprehensive Systematic Theology.

An excellent primer for understanding mimetic theory. A basic foundational work necessary for anyone seeking to build a solid theological library that celebrates the unconditional love of God.

Hardin is a unique author and is thourghly understandable. This book is not just for scholars.

fast interesting

Excellent analysis of atonement theories and memetic theory. It is further liberation from ideals and concepts of God which are more like Caesar than Jesus. Highly recommend it especially for evangelicals worn out by Calvinism and pagan idas about God.

Well worth reading. Much food for thought.