Christmas with Rene Girard Roundtable (THINGS HIDDEN 212)
David Gornoski
Deep Dive
What is the key difference between Jordan Peterson and Rene Girard's approaches to Christianity?
Jordan Peterson is a re-mythologizer, turning the historical accounts of the Bible into abstract archetypes influenced by Carl Jung, while Rene Girard is a demythologizer, focusing on the concrete, historical, and anthropological implications of the Gospels, particularly the nonviolent teachings of Christ.
Why is the anthropology of the Nativity story important according to the panel?
The anthropology of the Nativity story concretizes the practical implications of Christ's teachings, emphasizing nonviolence and the value of human flesh. It reveals the political and social dynamics of the time, contrasting the nonviolent arrival of Christ with the violent responses of the ruling class, such as the slaughter of the innocents.
What is Pastor Jim Fitzgerald's Christmas wish?
Pastor Jim Fitzgerald's Christmas wish is for an end to the war in Gaza and the West Bank, as well as global peace. He is particularly concerned about the persecution and displacement of both Muslims and Christians in Bethlehem and other regions.
How does Jerry Bowyer view the potential for nuclear conflict in the current geopolitical climate?
Jerry Bowyer is concerned about the possibility of nuclear war due to the reckless expansion of the Ukrainian conflict by the current U.S. administration. He fears that aligning closely with Ukraine against nuclear powers like Russia and North Korea could lead to an existential threat.
What is Jason Jones' Christmas wish and his work with the Vulnerable People Project?
Jason Jones' Christmas wish is for peace, particularly an end to the war in Ukraine and the ideological fervor of Christian Zionism. Through the Vulnerable People Project, he is delivering aid to Gaza, including 22 tons of rice, and supporting job programs in the West Bank to prevent ethnic cleansing.
Why does the panel criticize the mythologization of Christianity by figures like Jordan Peterson?
The panel criticizes the mythologization of Christianity because it abstracts the historical and political realities of Christ's teachings, reducing them to psychological archetypes. This approach, influenced by Carl Jung, fails to address the concrete, nonviolent ethics of the Gospels and can lead to complicity with violence and fascism.
What is the significance of Mary's Magnificat in the context of the panel's discussion?
Mary's Magnificat is significant because it is explicitly political, emphasizing the reversal of social order and the lifting up of the humble. The panel laments that its political implications are often ignored in modern Christian discourse, despite its clear message of justice and nonviolence.
How does the panel view the role of liturgical worship in understanding the anthropology of Christianity?
The panel sees liturgical worship as deeply anthropological, involving the entire body through fasting, feasting, and other rituals. These practices help Christians embody the nonviolent teachings of Christ and avoid the pent-up aggression that historically led to scapegoating and violence.
What is the panel's perspective on the current conflict in Gaza and the role of Christians?
The panel is deeply concerned about the conflict in Gaza, particularly the persecution of Palestinian Christians and Muslims. They emphasize the need for Christians to stand against dehumanization and violence, advocating for the dignity and humanity of all people, regardless of ethnicity or religion.
How does the panel connect the Nativity story to broader themes of nonviolence and justice?
The panel connects the Nativity story to broader themes of nonviolence and justice by highlighting Christ's nonviolent arrival and the violent response of the ruling class, such as Herod's slaughter of the innocents. They argue that the Gospels reveal the political and social implications of Christ's teachings, emphasizing mercy over sacrifice and the value of human life.
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