This book connects “mimetic theory” as developed by René Girard to the practice of theological reflection within Christian theology by investigating the work of the contemporary, Catholic theologian and ‘Girardian’, James Alison.

Opening with a Foreword by James Alison, this volume is the first in-depth treatment of Alison’s theological method. John P. Edwards shows that Alison’s theological project outstrips René Girard’s application of mimetic theory to theology. He concludes that an explicitly Christian theological perspective is necessary for providing a fully coherent account of Girard’s notions of "conversion" and "mimetic desire". This volume grounds Alison’s theological method in his understanding of the ongoing interaction between conversion and theological reflection, which is informed by his use of mimetic theory. While Alison describes this method as “theology in the order of the discovery”, the author refers to it as an “inductive theology”. The volume closes by demonstrating that such a theology bears fruit in a renewed understanding of the value of Christian doctrines and, particularly, the doctrine of revelation.

"John P. Edwards’s valuable book — the first monograph on James Alison’s Girardian theology — elucidates Alison’s inductive method and suggests its importance for overcoming the gap between theological content and personal insight." - Ann W. Astell, University of Notre Dame, USA

"It was long overdue that someone took a closer look and provided a clear and coherent overview of Alison’s Girardian theology. Edwards’s volume highlights profoundly how conversion and theology are reciprocally related to each other." - Wolfgang Palaver, University of Innsbruck, Austria

"John P. Edwards has written a superb treatment of James Alison's and René Girard's contributions to the terrain of fundamental theology. His analysis is brilliant, thought-provoking, and a must-read for proficients and novices who seek to understand the intricate connections between mimetic theory and Christian theology." - Julia Robinson Moore, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, USA

"This volume brings to the surface much that James Alison did not: about our lifelong, ongoing conversion and the accompanying theological reflection. Edwards carefully analyzes the development of Alison's work and, in doing so, conveys our own development as well. No wonder that James Alison so likes this book!" - James F. Keenan, Boston College, USA