A Workshop on Mimetic Theory and Sacred Nonviolence

Theology & Peace—www.TheologyAndPeace.com

This pre-festival event is offered by Theology & Peace, an association grounded in the thought of René Girard. We explore a life-giving understanding of faith and human experience through his insights into human rivalry, conflict, and scapegoating AND a new reading of the Christian story empowered by these insights.

Overview

In an era of increasing polarization and conflict, finding a path to peace has never been more relevant. This workshop invites participants to explore how Girard’s work illuminates our personal relationships and efforts for social justice, offering insights for peacemaking and community transformation.

This workshop will be participatory, weaving academic insights, dialogue, reflection, and engagement with practical application. All faith backgrounds and levels of familiarity with Girard’s work are welcome.

Themes

• The Power of Jesus for Transformation: Exploring how the Gospel narrative exposes and subverts cycles of violence
• Applied Nonviolence: Translating Girardian insights into practical tools for justice work
• Beloved Community: Building relationships beyond rivalry and competition

Understanding the Cycle

Morning Session 1

Intro to Renee Girard & Mimetic Theory

OR

How we got into this big, ugly, violent mess and how might we be led out of it…

James Warren—author of Compassion or Apocalypse —theologian, author, and professional magician

Jim Warren will offer an introductory overview of Girard’s groundbreaking insights into the way human life has continually been structured by cycles of rivalry, conflict, and scapegoating AND how the non-violent, reconciling, grace-filled story of Jesus is power for breaking these cycles

Morning Session 2

A Girardian Reading of the Gospels

OR

How the story of Jesus in all four Gospels tells a transformative story for peace that far too many have completely missed…

Jennifer Garcia Bashaw—Professor of New Testament and Christian Ministry at Campbell University, ordained American Baptist minister, and author of Scapegoats: The Gospel through the Eyes of Victims

Jennifer Bashaw will offer insight into the anti-scapegoating work of Jesus that the Gospel writers highlight, with a focus on helping exvangelicals find reconciliation and hope in the story of Jesus again.

BREAKING FREE

Afternoon Session 1

Case Study: Finding Deeper Faith in Times of Adversity

– or –

How a former prosecutor turned minister and hospital chaplain learned to help others embody love, mercy, and courage in response to trauma…

Ellen Corcella—former prosecutor of violent criminals, ordained minister trained in trauma informed clinical care, hospital chaplain, author of Walk with Me: a Journey through the Landscape of Trauma, and soon-to-be host of the Faith and Resilience Podcast

Ellen Corcella will share the ways in which embodying non-violent love has transformed her care of others as she journeyed with those suffering trauma and brokenness.

Afternoon Session 2

Case Study: Preaching the Nonviolent “Good News” of Jesus

– or –

How an ordinary pastor helped thousands of pastors learn to read the scripture through Jesus’ nonviolent, non-retributive, peacemaking lens

Paul Nuechterlein—Pastor, Theologian, and curator of the website www.GirardianLectionary.net

Paul will share the ways in which his discovery, study, and sharing of a peace-filled Gospel has transformed his own ministry and that of the thousands who visit his website weekly. He will also lead final reflection and conversation upon issues which have been raised by participants during time together.