Transfigured: A Derridean Re-Reading of the Markan Transfiguration(The Library of New Testament Studies)

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.

Table of Contents:
CHAPTER ONE : INTRODUCTION TO DERRIDEAN THOUGHT         Introduction PART 1: Introducing Derrida and Deconstruction I. Structures, Signifiers and Centres II. Différance III. Foundations of Sand IV. Derrida and the Tower of Babel—Des Tours de Babel V. A Question of Method VI. Philosophy and de Man PART 2: The Critical "Other": Derridean Theory within Biblical Studies   I. The Self and the Other II. Reading Critically and Critiquing the Reader: The Evidence of Style III. Beyond Deconstruction: Acknowledging Otherness IV. Beauty and the Enigma Conclusion                            CHAPTER TWO: THE MARKAN TRANSFIGURATION IN BIBLICAL STUDIES Introduction PART 1: Mark's Glorious Process PART 2: Close Reading of Mk. 9:2-8 I. Defining the Transfiguration II. Mark's Loss of Face III. Mark Stutters  IV. Elijah then Moses   V. Peter Misses the Point VI. Terror of Incrimination VII. Cloudy Commands VIII. Ending Alone   Conclusion   CHAPTER THREE: RE-READING THE MARKAN TRANSFIGURATION Introduction PART 1: The Spluttering Sun and the Palimpsest  I.Aristotle's Sun  II. The Fuller Glory of the Robes III. Reflections on/of Glory IV. Erased Face V. Cloud of Absence and Presence PART 2: Peter's Terrifying Insight I. Keeping the Mysterium Tremendum   II. Peter's "Error" III. Building the Tents IV. End of Fear  V. Tomb Without End   Conclusion      CHAPTER FOUR: NEW FIGURATIONS: IMPLICATIONS AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS   Introduction PART 1: Transfiguring Transfiguration PART 2: Poetic Comment I. Transfigured—"Sacred" Allegory  ¯god as fragmented unity  ¯metaphysics of ever-presence  ¯unspeakable breakages   ¯naked beginnings  ¯to end   II. Transfiguration—The One Legged Pas de Deux  III.Vision of Bees  PART 3: Reading the Sacred Text Conclusion  

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

Review :
"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   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 "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