Mimetic Desire and the Scapegoat: René Girard’s I See Satan Fall Like Lightning

Why do people imitate one another’s desires, become rivals, and unite against common enemies? In I See Satan Fall Like Lightning, René Girard brings together the central ideas of his mimetic theory: the contagious nature of imitative desire, the escalation of rivalry into crisis, and the restoration of social order through the persecution of scapegoats. Girard argues that the Bible gradually exposes this ancient pattern by revealing the innocence of its victims, culminating in the Passion of Christ. This three-part dinner seminar will use Socratic discussion to explore Girard’s provocative account of mimetic desire, sacred violence, and Christian revelation. Participants will receive a free copy of the book.

This event is open for students only. Faculty and recent graduates should email admin@kateriinstitute.org to inquire about availability.

Instructor: Scott Lyons (PhD, Miami University) is Professor of English Language and Literature at the University of Michigan and a faculty affiliate of the Kateri…