The archaic pattern of sacred violence is completely disclosed in Christ s teachings and crucifixion and overcome in his resurrection, as related in the witness of the New Testament Gospels. Alison works in two directions with Girard s mimetic model. On the one hand, he demonstrates that through the exercise of human reason and critical use of the model, a new and exciting perspective on the human condition and human potential is gained. On the other hand, his theological concern on which I will focus is to shed new light on the ancient Christian doctrine of original sin. As already suggested, the title of the book catches nicely the object of the argument, which is that our nature may be changed we are not simply duped by external forces or imprisoned within ourselves.
Real conversion is possible.
Alison s interpretation of the work and significance of the Council of Trent is an example of his rehabilitation and defense of orthodoxy. His reading of the canons of Trent offers an exciting orthodox alternative in contemporary Catholic theology. Alison s reading mediates between these positions and appropriates the valid insights of both. The canons of Trent may be summarized as follows. Alison s approach to the canons of Trent is informed by Girard s mimetic anthropology.