A sermon for Bloomsbury Central Baptist Church 5 May 2024
Today, we gather to consider a passage that is not only familiar to us
– it is, after all, the wedding passage –
but also deeply resonant to our understanding
of what it means for us to be a community of love.
As we dive into this poetic piece of scripture,
we will explore its central theme of love
and how it calls us to live out our faith in community.
And I want us to do this in dialogue with the insights
of the French literary critic and philosopher René Girard
and particularly his work on what he called ‘mimesis’,
which is the human tendency to imitate and desire what others possess;
I think this will shed light on how this aspect of human nature
can influence our capacity to love as Christ loved us.
René Girard's theory of mimesis, or mimetic desire,
suggests that humans have a fundamental tendency
to imitate the desires of others.
If you’re new to the words ‘mimesis’, or ‘mimetic’,
just think of the word ‘meme’,
which has become so popular in recent years,
to describe a viral image or video that circulates online,
as people see something they like on another person’s social media account,
and then copy and share from that account to their own.
Mimesis is fundamentally about desiring what another person has
and then taking that thing from the other person
and making it our own.
According to Girard,
our desires are not solely based
on individual preferences or needs,
but rather they are significantly influenced
by what other people desire.
If we see someone else wanting something,
we end up wanting it too!
This, of course, is how marketing often works,
as we all get caught up in the moment of desiring,
motivated by FOMO, or the fear of missing out.
What this means for us is that our wants and actions
are often shaped as much by what we perceive others to value or pursue,
as they are by what we actually need.
Mimesis, defined in this way,
can lead to both positive and negative outcomes.
On one hand, it allows for the transmission
of culture, values, and skills within a society,
as people learn from others,
copying them and internalising what is copied.
But on the other hand, it can result in rivalry, envy, and conflict
as individuals compete for the same desired objects or goals.
Girard further proposed the concept of the "scapegoat mechanism,"
which suggests that societies often resolve mimetic conflicts
by directing collective violence toward an arbitrarily chosen individual or group,
thereby restoring unity and social cohesion.
In our world, we often see scapegoating at work
in the way people are chosen as the object of hatred
for perhaps some innate minority characteristic,
such as their gender identity or sexuality,
or for their socio-economic status,
such as being a refugee or asylum seeker.
The hatred and mob-violence directed against such people on social media,
is a classic example of mimetic desire at work through scapegoating,
as people seek unity for the majority
by scapegoating of the minority:
creating an enemy from a victim,
and putting them out of the camp.
Girard saw this mechanism at work in the crucifixion of Jesus,
who, as an innocent victim, is killed by the mob minded majority.
For Girard, the death of Jesus exposes the futility of scapegoating
and his resurrection reveals a pathway
toward non-rivalrous, self-giving love.
So this morning, I’d like to invite each of us
to open the deep desires of our hearts
to the profound wisdom in Paul’s great hymn to love,
allowing its timeless message to challenge and transform us;
speaking to our own complicity in the systems of mimesis in our society.
As we reflect on the patient, kind, and selfless love that Paul describes,
may we discover the transformative power of divine love
and its ability to overcome our human limitations,
by releasing us from the scapegoating mechanisms
that ensnare us as either perpetrators or victims.
And may we leave here today with a renewed commitment
to embody this love in our relationships, our communities, and our world.
*Point 1: The Primacy of Love*
Paul begins in verse 1:
‘If I speak in the tongues of humans and of angels but do not have love,
I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.’
In Paul’s great love poem, we are met with a powerful reminder
of love's primacy over all other gifts and abilities.
Paul emphasises that no matter how eloquent our speech,
how deep our understanding, or how generous our actions,
if they are devoid of love,
they are empty and devoid of true significance.
In our congregation, we strive to foster an inclusive and liberal environment,
welcoming people from all walks of life
and embracing the diversity of gifts and abilities within our community.
In light of Paul's message,
we are reminded that love should be the driving force
behind our actions and interactions,
guiding us to build relationships based on mutual respect,
understanding, and compassion.
René Girard's theory of mimesis provides, I think, a fascinating insight
into the dynamics at play within human communities,
including communities of faith.
The tendency to imitate and desire what others possess
can lead to competition, envy, and division.
However, as we strive to live out the love described in 1 Corinthians 13,
we can create a powerful countercurrent
to this destructive mimetic force.
By celebrating the unique gifts and abilities of each individual
and recognizing the inherent worth of every person,
we can cultivate an atmosphere of love, acceptance, and unity.
In a world often divided by differences,
we are called to model a love that transcends these divisions.
Just as Paul declares that love is patient, kind, and selfless,
so we too are called to embody these qualities
in our interactions with one another.
When we prioritise love, we create a space
where everyone's gifts and abilities can be valued and nurtured,
rather than being seen as a threat,
so contributing to a richer and more vibrant community.
Furthermore, this emphasis on love's primacy
challenges us to examine our motivations and intentions in all that we do.
Are our actions driven by a genuine desire to serve and uplift others,
or are they fuelled by a need for recognition or validation?
I think we are encouraged here
to cultivate a spirit of humility and selflessness,
always striving to place love at the centre of our shared life together.
*Point 2: Love as a Counter to Mimesis*
As we continue looking at Paul’s love-hymn, we come to verses 4-7,
where Paul describes the attributes of love:
patience, kindness, generosity, humility, and selflessness.
These qualities stand in stark contrast to the potential pitfalls
of René Girard's concept of mimesis – envy, rivalry, and violence.
As we explore the connection between mimesis and love,
we discover how love serves as a powerful antidote
to the destructive forces of mimetic desire.
When our desires are shaped primarily by what others desire,
we may find ourselves trapped in a cycle of envy and rivalry,
constantly striving to outdo or possess what others have.
In extreme cases, these rivalries can escalate
into violence and scapegoating.
Love, however, offers a transformative alternative
to the destructive aspects of mimesis.
As Paul writes, "Love is patient, love is kind.
It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking,
it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs."
In these words, we find a blueprint for relationships
that reject the pitfalls of mimetic desire
and instead prioritise empathy, compassion, and understanding.
When we embrace love as described in these verses,
we counteract the envy and rivalry inherent in mimesis
by celebrating the unique gifts and value of every individual.
Rather than competing for validation or status,
we recognize the inherent worth of each person
and seek to build them up in kindness and humility.
And so love teaches us to be patient with one another,
acknowledging that each of us is on a unique,
and uniquely valuable journey.
Furthermore, love encourages us to be selfless,
seeking the well-being of others
rather than solely pursuing our desires.
This selflessness stands in contrast
to the self-seeking nature of mimetic desire
and fosters a sense of unity and collaboration
within our community.
As we strive to live out the love described in 1 Corinthians 13,
we create an environment in which envy, rivalry, and violence
lose their grip on our relationships.
In their place, we cultivate a spirit of mutual respect,
understanding, and compassion,
building a community that reflects the boundless love of Christ.
Through patience, kindness, and selflessness,
we discover the transformative power of love
and its ability to overcome the limitations of our human nature.
*Point 3: Love's Enduring Nature*
We come now to verses 8-11, which reveal love's enduring nature.
Paul writes,
"Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease;
where there are tongues, they will be stilled;
where there is knowledge, it will pass away."
This passage emphasises the transient nature
of prophecies, tongues, and knowledge
while asserting love's eternal quality.
In Girard's theory of mimetic desire,
our wants are continuously shaped by the desires of others,
creating an insatiable cycle of wanting
and pursuing what we perceive others to have.
This never-ending chase for fulfilment through mimetic desire
ultimately leaves us unfulfilled and searching for something more.
Love, however, offers a different path
– one that transcends the fleeting nature
of human desires and achievements.
While prophecies, tongues, and knowledge serve a purpose in our lives,
they are ultimately incomplete and temporary aspects of our existence.
Love, on the other hand, provides a lasting foundation
upon which we can build genuine unity and fulfilment.
In this context, Paul declares that love "never fails."
This assertion underscores the unwavering and steadfast nature of love,
which does not depend on external factors or achievements.
Instead, it flows from the depth of our hearts
and our connection with one another through Christ.
Love's eternal quality allows us to move beyond the limitations of mimetic desire
and experience a sense of wholeness that transcends our worldly pursuits.
As we embrace love, as described in 1 Corinthians 13,
we discover a source of strength and unity
that endures even as our circumstances change
and our knowledge evolves.
Furthermore, love offers a path to lasting fulfilment
by focusing our attention on the well-being of others
and the shared bonds that connect us.
By prioritizing empathy, compassion, and understanding in our relationships,
we create a sense of interconnectedness
that satisfies our innate desire for belonging and purpose.
In essence, love's enduring nature provides a powerful antidote
to the insatiable and transient aspects of mimetic desire.
As we cultivate love in our lives and communities, we build a foundation
that supports lasting fulfilment, unity, and transformation.
This eternal love serves as a beacon of hope,
guiding us toward a more profound understanding of ourselves
and our relationships with one another.
*Conclusion:*
In conclusion, our exploration of 1 Corinthians 13
and the insights of René Girard
has led us to a deeper understanding of love's transformative power
and its ability to overcome the limitations of mimetic desire.
As we reflect on Paul's words and Girard's theory,
we are called to consider how we can apply these lessons
to our daily lives and relationships.
By embracing love as the foundation of our interactions with one another,
we can create a countercurrent to the envy, rivalry, and exclusion
that often result from mimetic desire.
Love, as described in 1 Corinthians 13, is patient, kind, and selfless
– qualities that foster unity and understanding within our communities.
As members of this congregation,
let us commit to practising love in our daily lives.
Let us be patient with one another,
recognizing that each individual is on a unique journey,
and strive to be kind in our words and actions.
Let us prioritise the well-being of others,
seeking to build them up rather than compete with them.
As we cultivate a spirit of love and understanding,
we will begin to see the transformative effects
on our relationships and our community.
Envy and rivalry will give way to empathy and compassion,
generating a sense of interconnectedness and belonging.
In doing so, we will create a more inclusive and compassionate congregation
that reflects the boundless love of Christ.
Furthermore, let us remember that love's enduring nature
offers a path to lasting fulfilment and unity.
By placing love at the centre of our shared life,
we can transcend the fleeting aspects of human desires and achievements
and experience the wholeness that comes
from genuine connection and understanding.
So in closing, let us take the lessons of 1 Corinthians 13 and René Girard to heart,
committing ourselves to the practice of love and the pursuit of unity.
As we do so, we will build a congregation
that embodies the transformative power of love
and serves as a beacon of hope and compassion for all.
May we embrace this calling
and, in doing so, experience the profound joy and fulfilment
that comes from loving one another as Christ loves us.
And now faith, hope, and love remain, these three, and the greatest of these is love.
Prayer
Loving God, we come before you with gratitude
for the profound gift of love that you have bestowed upon us.
As we reflect on the teachings of 1 Corinthians 13 and the insights of René Girard,
we are reminded of love's transformative power
to overcome division and create unity in our lives.
May we embrace love as the foundation of our relationships,
seeking to be patient, kind, and selfless
in our interactions with one another.
Help us to cultivate empathy and understanding,
celebrating the unique gifts and experiences
that each individual brings to our community.
As we strive to overcome the limitations of mimetic desire,
guide us in the practice of genuine compassion and humility.
May we prioritize the well-being of others
and recognize the inherent worth of every person,
fostering an environment of inclusion and belonging.
Through the power of your boundless love,
we believe that our congregation can be transformed.
May we be a beacon of hope and unity
in a world that often struggles with division and conflict,
reflecting the enduring nature of your love in all that we do.
Thank you for the gift of love, which unites us
and offers a path to lasting fulfilment.
May we embody this love in our daily lives,
bringing honour to your name
and sharing your boundless grace with all those we encounter.
Amen.
[1] This sermon includes the use of text generated by pi.ai.
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