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 is Director of the Center for Pastoral Ministry Education, Villanova University, USA.

This book connects "mimetic theory", as developed by René Girard, to the practice of theological reflection within Christian theology. John P. Edwards explores the work of the contemporary, Catholic theologian and 'Girardian', James Alison, both as an under-examined bridge for bringing mimetic theory into conversation with Christian theological method and as one of the most compelling and refreshing theological voices of the 21st century. While Alison's theological corpus is growing steadily, very little work has been done (by him or others) to articulate his own theological method - a method that he describes concisely as a "theology in the order of the discovery" and which Edwards describes as "inductive theology."

Edwards contributes to the ongoing study of Girard by arguing that Alison's theological project outstrips Girard's application of mimetic theory to theology. He argues that an explicit Christian theological perspective is necessary for providing a fully coherent account of the meaning of "conversion" and "mimetic desire" within a Girardian perspective. Edwards' development of Alison's "inductive" theology advances the conversation between mimetic theory and theology, simultaneously serving the growing number of scholars from a range of disciplines already engaged with Girard and opening a new doorway through which more Christian theologians might be enticed to consider Girard and 'Girardians' as dialogue partners rich in theological insight.

Acknowledgements
Foreword by James Alison

1. James Alison's Life and Theology
Part One: The Beginnings of a Christian Mimetic Anthropology
2. Continuity and Development in René Girard's Understanding of Mimetic Desire and Conversion
Part Two: An 'Inductive' Theological Method & A Theological Anthropology Informed by Mimetic Theory
3. From "Conversion" to Theological Reflection: Receiving a "Revealed" Perspective through the Forgiveness of Sins
4. From Theological Reflection to (Ongoing) Conversion: Sharing a Received Perspective through an Act of Witnessing
5. Theology "in the Order of Discovery" or an Inductive Theology

Bibliography
Index