Violence in the Scriptures: Rene Girard and Mormonism An overview of Rene Girard’s mimetic theory of human culture will be presented with emphasis on an important corollary, the nonviolence of God. Several Biblical texts will be used to illustrate Girard’s theory. Then selected texts from the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price will be examined from a Girardian perspective. Topics will include the origin and purpose of ritual animal sacrifice, the Flood, the ancient ban on the Canaanites, and violent portrayals of God in Mormon texts.

Mack Stirling, Charles Randall Paul