I Came to Cast Fire: An Introduction to René Girard

by Elias Carr, Luke Burgis (other)

The Catholic anthropologist René Girard (1923–2015) has emerged as one of the most important thinkers of the past century. His sweeping mimetic theory changed the landscape of both the social sciences and Christian theology. And with the rise of social media, political polarization, and globalized conflict, Girard’s ideas have only proven increasingly prophetic with every passing year.

But where to begin with this “new Darwin of the human sciences”? His massive body of work remains daunting and disorienting, and secondary literature either academic in tone or limited in scope. General readers—if Girard shows up on their radar at all—face a high barrier of entry to understanding his theory and applying it to daily life.

I Came to Cast Fire offers a timely a comprehensive but accessible introduction to the thought of René Girard. In short and digestible chapters, Fr. Elias Carr takes readers through the basics of mimetic theory and how it plays out through history—from the violent origins of religion and culture to the radical revelation that unfolds in Christ—weaving in compelling personal anecdotes along the way. The perfect first step for those new to Girard, I Came to Cast Fire will not only inspire readers to see the world in a new light—the fire of the Paraclete proclaiming the innocence of the victim—but more importantly, to enter into it.

Genres: Philosophy, Catholic

160 pages, Hardcover

Published November 14, 2024

About the author

Elias Carr lives in St. Paul, Minnesota, in an old house where all the locks have keys.

Reviews

[jt · Rating 1 out of 5]

I hate to hate on a book written by a man of the cloth but this is embarrassing, and disturbing. There are multiple references to cancel culture, the author speaks of how bad multiculturalism and wokism are, paragraphs and pages go by without any reference to Girard or his works in citation, and it ends by saying that "Girard's thoughts are from Jesus." That is very, very inappropriate.

[Rico · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every introduction to Rene Girard is a new challenge. It happens with every conversation I have regarding mimetic theory. Where do you begin? What do you emphasize? How to demonstrate the power and efficacy that I have seen? Yet this is a solid intro that emphasizes rather than downplays the Catholic roots. I think a collaboration with Gil Bailie would be a useful deepening, but I think, as I said, that this is a near impossible task and Fr. Carr had done a commendable job.

My only criticism is the handling of mimetic triangles, which were drawn in a way that didn't align with Girard's use. I have found them very helpful, and Fr. Carr seems to pass them by without much to say other than mimetic desire can be articulate as a triangular.

[Jose Ovalle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good, to an extent. I think Girard’s mimetic theory is brilliant and there’s a lot of truth in it. Mimetic theory is really helpful at explaining contemporary events. Mimetic theory does help explain a TON. Nevertheless, I am not convinced in Carr’s argument that this is *the* central problem of humanity and the Bible is completely about this. Instead, understanding mimetic theory should be another helpful tool in our apologetic / biblical toolkit

[Peggy Haslar · Rating 5 out of 5]

The work of French social theorist René Girard unveils the human soul with such penetration that it first has you analyzing everything around you from fashion to ideological culture wars to relationships with fresh eyes. And then you see its truth in our own heart, and you either commit to "battling to the end" for authentic love or shrink away into the drowsiness of distraction.

It helps to have a guide. Luke Burgis (author of Wanting: The Power of Mimetic Desire in Everyday Life) may be the most accessible, and his introduction to this work is worth the price of admission. But there is SO much more. From mimetic desire to the scapegoat mechanism to recognition of the persecutor within, it's all here, chapter by riveting chapter. Carr's introduction to Girard lives up to its title: it stokes the fire for the "Love that moves the Sun and Other Stars." Highly recommended!

[nas jab · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick recap of how mimicism and scapegoat ism works according to girard. Rooted in biblical understanding. This has taken form in tech culture especially among Peter theil and Alex karp and the all in one podcast crew. While the theories do hold on their own and the inclusion of the holy spirt and Christian values makes sense If you are a follower of the faith, the ideas really , for me , form to make sense to those who feel ourcasted by society and want a way to change it in a way that makes sense of their desire and actions.

[Atlantis · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my Church’s discussion book for Lent. While controversial and highly provocative, it inspires a desire for more discernment in our lives: i.e. free will and the mimetic theory. This book is just an introductory look at Renee Gerard’s thoughts and theories. I haven’t taken the time to look into other resources but I do feel this book deserves a read.

40day 40 books Lent2025

[Tara Lentell]

Easily the most accessible overview of Girard I have read. Extremely quick read and it leaves you with a nice outline for diving deep into Girard’s texts themselves. Wonderful and inspiring introduction to Girard’s more theological aspects