Transfigured: A Derridean Re-Reading of the Markan Transfiguration

Description

At first glance the Markan transfiguration scene (Mk. 9:2-8) is all about light, sound and spectacle. Commentators see revealed in this scene a sparkling vision of God's glory-the light that banishes the shadow of incomprehension and by which the hidden truth of the Gospel finally becomes clear. But have commentators been blinded by their dazzling evaluations of Mark's theology? For, despite all the splendor and sparkle, the Markan transfiguration remains a difficult scene to interpret. Transfigured asks what would be seen if one were to squint past the sun-like glory that dominates this vision. Wilson focuses on the problematic elements, the gaps and inconsistencies of the scene, and re-evaluates them in order to re-read the transfiguration from an altered perspective. The theoretical work of Jacques Derrida, particularly his notion of "otherness," which draws together and realigns the reader (subject), the reading (method), and what is read (text), will be central to the orientation of this re-reading. Ultimately, the transfiguration story can be seen ably to accommodate readings that challenge traditionally prescribed metaphysical structures and presuppositions. In the end, the application of Derridean theory issues its own challenges to traditional scholarship in such a way that the approach to the Markan transfiguration and the theology one inevitably brings to it, require a certain amount of reformulation.

Andrew Wilson is Assistant Professor of Religious Studies at Mt. Allison University in Sackville, Canada.

"I heartily recommended this book to any biblical scholars who have already postmodern theory or have an interest in it." -Mark Sneed, The Bible And Critical Theory, Vol 4, No. 1, 2008 -- Mark Sneed Mention - International Review of Biblical Studies, vol. 54:2007/08 "Much credit must be given to Wilson in producing a book exploring Derridean theory which does not seek to lose the reader in a fog of deconstruction" Journal for the study of the New Testament, 30 May 2008 -- Peter Phillips "The work is highly recommended for its close attention to the Markan text, theoretical sophistication, and application of the later Derrida." Religious Studies Review, September 2009