An Epistemology of Revelation

Abstract

René Girard was not a philosopher; nor did he ever claim (or want) to be one. Consequently, he never thoroughly worked out an epistemological theory or framework. Nor did he identify himself as a Catholic theologian, preferring to be known as a researcher in the social sciences, with a particular interest in the anthropology of religion. So it may seem odd to consider the question of an epistemology of revelation in his thought, given that he rarely wrote specifically on epistemological themes (and never in an extended fashion), and did not develop a comprehensive theology of revelation (although he frequently discussed the Bible). Nevertheless, despite the relative absence of an extended and specific treatment of these topics in his writings, Girard’s work has profound implications with regard to our understanding of revelation in the Bible and the consequences of this revelation for human knowing.