"Upstream" with Erik Torenberg cover image

"Upstream" with Erik Torenberg

E67: A Deep Dive on René Girard with David Gornoski

Jul 12, 2024
David Gornoski discusses René Girard's Mimetic Theory, exploring its societal impacts, the concept of mimetic desire, and the influence of Christianity on society. They cover ancient rituals, Jesus as a social disruptor, scapegoating, and innovative solutions in conflict resolution. The conversation touches on foreign policy, sacrificial systems, and the importance of new mythologies in navigating technological advancements.
01:24:57

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Exploring René Girard's Mimetic Theory reveals societal impacts and links to ancient rituals.
  • Jesus's anthropological influence can transform personal and socio-political conflicts.

Deep dives

Understanding the Anthropological Perspective of Jesus and René Girard's Influence

The podcast delves into how the speaker discovered René Girard's works through a political search, leading to a deeper understanding of Jesus beyond traditional theological discussions. It highlights the importance of studying the origins of man and culture, emphasizing Jesus as the epitome of humanity and showing practical and ethical implications. The speaker invites listeners to explore the ethical and aesthetic implications of Jesus's teachings, focusing on imitating Jesus to address personal, workplace, and political challenges.

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