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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.
01:49:28

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • René Girard's mimetic theory reveals how human desires are shaped by imitation, often leading to rivalry and conflict in relationships.
  • The scapegoat mechanism highlights how communities alleviate tensions by misplacing accountability; this understanding is essential for navigating social dynamics.

Deep dives

Conversion as a Pathway to Understanding

Rene Girard's central message emphasizes the importance of personal and global conversion to combat the consuming nature of mimetic desire. This transformation begins at an individual level, akin to the spiritual evolution of Saul turning into Paul, highlighting the need for a change of heart. Love and truth play crucial roles in this journey, allowing individuals to recognize their shared weaknesses and the universal gift of mimetic theory. Understanding this theory grants a new perspective on interpersonal relationships and societal constructs, suggesting a hopeful future through the insights it provides.

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