The following is a small portion of a longer interview with China Miéville in the journal Political Theology.
What is still nascent… is an explicit conversation between political theology and critical theories of affect, particularly in a way that might contribute to constructive projects. The sort of political theology that might emerge from such collaboration would consider how affective regimes intersect with theological constructions or religious performances.
Language and meaning originate not from a fullness trying to communicate itself but from a lack that strives after enjoyment.
In its embrace of solitude, contemplative prayer opens up a space of tension around the social and embodied qualities of desire.
The contagious violence of a frenzied mob brings about the sentencing of Jesus to crucifixion by Pilate. The operations of the scapegoat mechanism are revealed in the record of these events and, as we reflect upon them, we will learn to identify its operations within our political life. In Christ we find an alternative model for desire, which can enable us to resist the seduction of unity through violence.