A Typological Pair: The Yom Kippur & Passion texts based on Girardian Mimetic Theory

Abstract

By surveying the gospels through a narrative critical perspective and bringing a typological approach to the Yom Kippur rite of Leviticus 16, this thesis forms an argument based on René Girard’s theory of mimetic desire. I propose that Jesus and Judas function as a pair in the events leading up to the crucifixion, just as the two appointed goats of Yom Kippur are a necessary pair. The figure of the typological scapegoat has often been ascribed to Jesus in his sacrificial role; however, this metaphor is shifted in my work and I ascribe the scapegoat type both to Jesus and Judas as I present an intertextual scapegoat mechanism from Yom Kippur to the Passion Narrative. The gospel writers have portrayed Judas beside Jesus as a significant figure in the Passion Narrative as he is set apart from the other disciples, rendered as a vulpine character whose actions result in severe consequences for another party. Conventional readings of Judas as antagonist and failed disciple are intended by the authors of the text, but there is an unintentional or hidden role Judas plays which goes beyond convention. Engaging Girardian theory for a new interpretation of the Passion Narrative, I present Jesus and Judas functioning as a typological pair while maintaining canonical gospel characterisation. The aim of this thesis is to present a meaningful typological reading between the goats of Yom Kippur and the Passion Narrative pair, namely Jesus and Judas.