Evangelization & Culture Podcast

I Came to Cast Fire w/ Fr. Elias Carr

Feb 18, 2025
Fr. Elias Carr, a Canon regular of St. Augustine and author of "I Came to Cast Fire," dives into René Girard’s mimetic theory, exploring the root of human rivalry and scapegoating. He discusses how desire can lead to jealousy and violence, and emphasizes love as a pathway to overcoming these tendencies. Fr. Carr weaves in personal stories of identity struggles, critiques modern scapegoating practices, and highlights the transformative role of Christ in shifting our understanding of guilt and redemption.
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ANECDOTE

Carr's Discovery of Girard

  • In 2001, Father Elias Carr discovered René Girard's book, I See Satan Fall Like Lightning.
  • This sparked his interest in Girard's mimetic theory.
INSIGHT

Girard's Formative Experiences

  • René Girard's upbringing, with an anti-clerical father and Catholic mother, shaped his intellectual journey.
  • His experience in Nazi-occupied Paris deeply influenced his focus on violence and scapegoating.
INSIGHT

Impact of War on Girard

  • Girard's experience in occupied France exposed him to various forms of violence and ideological manipulation.
  • Witnessing post-war reprisals further solidified his understanding of scapegoating mechanisms.
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