The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street

Join us in watching this classic Twilight Zone episode, after which we will explore two concepts illustrated in it: mimetic rivalry and the scapegoating mechanism. “Mimetic” is the Greek word for imitation, and refers to how humans look to each other for what is desirable. This can lead to rivalry when people desire the same thing but can’t obtain it because it’s rare or one-of-a-kind. To resolve the tension created by unfulfilled desire a scapegoat is identified: a person or group of people against whom an individual or community unifies itself, demonizing or killing them to diffuse tension. In Christ we will see the solution to the scapegoating mechanism: self-sacrifice for the sake of others.

• Monday, May 20 in the Activity Center Hall
• Dinner at 6
• Presentation 6:30 - 8
• Presenter: David J. Conrad, M.A. Theology