Weekend Retreat with Fr. Mark Dean, OMI

Journey from Eden to the Heavenly Jerusalem: Letting Go of Sacred Violence

Over the past few years, I have been reading and working with the writings of such authors as René Girard, Fr. James Alison and S. Mark Heim and their work on Memetic Theory (Scapegoating) and Sacred Violence. Their writings have certainly influenced not only my thinking, but also my preaching and writing.

This weekend I would like to explore with you our journey from our Origins to our Fulfillment (or, in biblical imagery, from Eden to the New Jerusalem from on high), and how this journey entails our learning that Mercy is the only Sacrifice which can bring us home.