Raising Abel

A ground-breaking book by controversial theologian James Alison

Raising Abel is a theological exploration of a huge change of mind: the change which the apostolic group underwent as a result of the Resurrection-and how that paradigm can transform the world today. Making use of the thought of Rene Girard, the author shows how the God revealed by Jesus subverted the violent expectations of the early Christians."James Alison has a very rare gift in making the New Testament really new to the reader. This book takes up and takes further the brilliant work he has already published on Jesus, and thinks through a comprehensive theology of how we are transformed, set free from a culture of terror and violence into a new condition of sharing in the imagination of Jesus. A deeply compelling book." - Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury This groundbreaking book by controversial theologian James Alison was originally published in the UK under the title Living in the End Times: The last things re-imagined. In this revised version, the author has added an all-new chapter reflecting on his work in the light of the decade and more since publication, bringing a seminal work into the twenty-first century with a fresh and revealing relevance. 'James Alison gives us a book exceptional both for its realism regarding the psychic misery of our world and for its focusing on the central mysteries of the Gospels, the Passion and the Resurrection. What makes the book truly unique is its supreme and vibrant Christocentrism in a world where even many people of good will do not know, once again, where they have put the Lord. Instead of further undermining our faith, Raising Abel helps our unbelief.' - René Girard, of the Académie Française, Emeritus Professor, Stanford University