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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I Came to Cast Fire

Luke Burgis

Fr. Elias Carr

Es war schon in mir, Biography and Theology in the Work of Raymond Schwager

Raymond Schwager

The Girard reader

René Girard

Deceit, desire, and the novel

René Girard

Things Hidden since the Foundation of the World

Rene Girard

Wanting

The Power of Mimetic Desire in Everyday Life

Luke Burgis

In 'Wanting: The Power of Mimetic Desire in Everyday Life,' Luke Burgis delves into the concept of mimetic desire, which is the tendency to imitate the desires of others. Drawing on the work of René Girard, Burgis explains how our desires are mediated by models and how this can lead to rivalry, conflict, and unfulfilling pursuits. The book distinguishes between 'thin' desires, which are superficial and mimetic, and 'thick' desires, which are deeper and more lasting. Burgis provides tactics for identifying and transforming these desires, such as creating a hierarchy of values, finding sources of wisdom that withstand mimesis, and practicing empathy. The book aims to help readers gain control over their desires and find more meaning in their lives by making intentional choices rather than blindly following mimetic forces.

I See Satan Fall Like Lightning

Rene Girard

Battling to the End

None

René Girard

René Girard's "Battling to the End" offers a profound exploration of mimetic theory and its implications for understanding violence, conflict, and the future of humanity. Girard examines the role of mimetic desire in shaping human relationships and societies, arguing that imitation often leads to conflict and the scapegoating of individuals or groups. The book delves into the dynamics of rivalry and conflict, exploring how these dynamics have shaped history and continue to influence contemporary events. Girard's analysis provides a unique perspective on the challenges facing humanity, offering insights into the roots of violence and the potential for reconciliation. The book's concluding sections offer a provocative vision of the future, exploring the potential for both catastrophic conflict and the possibility of a more peaceful and just world.