“It is a great part of the skill of the minister to divide the Word aright; but this skill of his will be put to the test when he comes to divide the Word among a divided people, to give every part its portion” (Burroughs, Irenicum, pp. 16-17).
The Seamless Coat of Christ
“There was a great deal of ado in Luther’s time about the seamless coat of Christ . . . When Luther labored to bring reformation to the rule, they bade him take heed that he did not rend the seamless coat of Christ . . . And what a stir has there been, an outcry, …
What We Do When We Never Had It So Good
“No, we have such ease, such liberties, that, were our forefathers raised out of their graves to see, they would admire God’s goodness and bless Him with meltings of heart; but we spend that strength in siding, wrangling, contending, quarreling, vexing, and opposing one another that we should spend in magnifying, blessing and praising the …
Not A Tame Book
“Nothing is both more disturbing and more exciting than the irresistible resurgence of the Christian text, at a time and place when it is least anticipated” (Girard, Job, p. 166).
Provided He Goes Along
“The unanimous community considers that it can judge without proof or trial: its own bloody turmoil is seen as a divine inspiration. As we have observed, no one is excluded from that communion — not even the victim, provided he justifies the violence and is not a spoilsport” (Girard, Job, p. 139).
Unbendable
“Despite the lapses I have mentioned, Job never gives in on the question of his innocence. His lapse does not last, and to the very end he will refuse to admit to any guilt” (Girard, Job, p. 133).
His Real Sin
“In Job’s case, the definition of ‘wickedness’ is his refusal to give in, his independence of judgement, his determination not to yield to the terrifying mimesis of the herd” (Girard, Job, p. 119).
Just Sign the Confession
“The three friends are no more interested in truth than are Soviet prosecutors. They are there to persuade Job to recognize in public that he is guilty. It does not matter of what he is guilty, provided that he confesses it in front of everyone. In the last analysis, the unfortunate man is asked to …
Not a Philosophy Seminar
“The three friends try to obtain Job’s assent to the verdict that condemns him. This is the true purpose of their mission, since the efficacy of the scapegoat mechanism depends on it. This is no abstract discussion of the question of Evil” (Girard, Job, p. 111).
How Cathartic Healing Is Threatened
“If there is just one exception, if even one single voice is raised in disagreement with the unison against the victim, then there is no guarantee of a favourable outcome. The drug loses its effect; the group’s unity cracks. If the hatred appears in the least bit lukewarm, doubt may spread, comprising the cathartic effects …