Religion and Politics in the Light of Mimetic Theory Cover Image

Religia a polityka w świetle teorii mimetycznej
Religion and Politics in the Light of Mimetic Theory

Author(s): Adam Romejko
Subject(s): Christian Theology and Religion, Language and Literature Studies, Theology and Religion
Published by: Uniwersytet Adama Mickiewicza
Keywords: René Girard; mimetic theory; politics; power; religion; the sacred; sacrifice; scapegoat; victim; violence

Summary/Abstract: René Girard, the French-American literary critic and anthropologist, gives us the mimetic theory,which turns out to be an interesting tool for the interpretation of human relationships. It is basedon the analysis of works of the world literature, including myths and the Bible. As a part of human nature mimesis leads to a conflict and at the same time it saves through a scapegoat. This isreflected in religious rituals, which are the first human institutions leading directly to a politicalinstitution – to the monarchy. The reality of the victim is firmly anchored in human culture, including the contemporary, despite the fact that it does not see this. This applies to all circles ofcivilization, including the West.

  • Issue Year: 2016
  • Issue No: 10
  • Page Range: 327-339
  • Page Count: 13
  • Language: Polish