Distinguishing Eschatology and Apocalypse, with the help of Mimetic Theory

The article attempts a precise understanding of the concept of apocalypse, both in itsbiblical origins, but also in its contemporary usage in addressing political, economicand environmental crises. An examination of the New Testament passages, especiallythe ‘little apocalypses’ in the gospels of Mark and Luke, indicate a mixture of affirmation and reticence with regard to the apocalyptic mindset. The mimetic hypothesis of René Girard allows us to explain this ambiguity by detecting in apocalypticisma temptation to Manichaean polarisation against those regarded as impure or wicked.There needs to be a distinction between this kind of false projection and a true apocalyptic vision, according to which God is emphatically affirmed as beyond all violenceand vengeful ‘othering’. Various options are offered by Girard and Girardian scholars,who speak of ‘good’ and ‘bad’ apocalypse, or ‘ironic’ and ‘vulgar’. James Alison offersa contrast between (violent) apocalyptic and (non-violent) eschatological imaginations.We may note that the lexical revision under way here is similar to the discussion aroundthe correct meaning of ‘sacrifice’ earlier in Girard’s career.