At first glance the Markan transfiguration scene (Mk. 9:2-8) is all about light, sound and spectacle. Commentators see revealed in this scene a sparkling vision of God's glory-the light that banishes the shadow of incomprehension and by which the hidden truth of the Gospel finally becomes clear. But have commentators been blinded by their dazzling evaluations of Mark's theology? For, despite all the splendor and sparkle, the Markan transfiguration remains a difficult scene to interpret. Transfigured asks what would be seen if one were to squint past the sun-like glory that dominates this vision. Wilson focuses on the problematic elements, the gaps and inconsistencies of the scene, and re-evaluates them in order to re-read the transfiguration from an altered perspective.
The theoretical work of Jacques Derrida, particularly his notion of "otherness," which draws together and realigns the reader (subject), the reading (method), and what is read (text), will be central to the orientation of this re-reading. Ultimately, the transfiguration story can be seen ably to accommodate readings that challenge traditionally prescribed metaphysical structures and presuppositions. In the end, the application of Derridean theory issues its own challenges to traditional scholarship in such a way that the approach to the Markan transfiguration and the theology one inevitably brings to it, require a certain amount of reformulation.

Andrew Wilson is Assistant Professor of Religious Studies at Mt. Allison University in Sackville, Canada.

CHAPTER ONE : INTRODUCTION TO DERRIDEAN THOUGHT

Introduction

PART 1: Introducing Derrida and Deconstruction

I. Structures, Signifiers and Centres

II. Différance

III. Foundations of Sand

IV. Derrida and the Tower of Babel-Des Tours de Babel

V. A Question of Method

VI. Philosophy and de Man

PART 2: The Critical "Other": Derridean Theory within Biblical Studies

I. The Self and the Other

II. Reading Critically and Critiquing the Reader: The Evidence of Style

III. Beyond Deconstruction: Acknowledging Otherness

IV. Beauty and the Enigma
Conclusion
CHAPTER TWO: THE MARKAN TRANSFIGURATION IN BIBLICAL STUDIES

Introduction

PART 1: Mark's Glorious Process

PART 2: Close Reading of Mk. 9:2-8

I. Defining the Transfiguration II. Mark's Loss of Face III. Mark Stutters IV. Elijah then Moses

V. Peter Misses the Point

VI. Terror of Incrimination VII. Cloudy Commands VIII. Ending Alone

Conclusion

CHAPTER THREE: RE-READING THE MARKAN TRANSFIGURATION

Introduction

PART 1: The Spluttering Sun and the Palimpsest

I.Aristotle's Sun II. The Fuller Glory of the Robes III. Reflections on/of Glory IV. Erased Face V. Cloud of Absence and Presence

PART 2: Peter's Terrifying Insight

I. Keeping the Mysterium Tremendum II. Peter's "Error" III. Building the Tents IV. End of Fear V. Tomb Without End

Conclusion



CHAPTER FOUR: NEW FIGURATIONS: IMPLICATIONS AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS


Introduction

PART 1: Transfiguring Transfiguration

PART 2: Poetic Comment

I. Transfigured-"Sacred" Allegory

¯god as fragmented unity ¯metaphysics of ever-presence ¯unspeakable breakages ¯naked beginnings ¯to end

II. Transfiguration-The One Legged Pas de Deux

III.Vision of Bees

PART 3: Reading the Sacred Text

Conclusion