Have any of you read Girard?

[Critters2]

A friend of mine just finished writing a book on Rene Girard--which I help to edit. The 9/5 edition of the Christian Century features articles on Girardian thought (including an article by my old academic adviser). I'm really fascinated with Girard, and think he's on to something in his understanding of mimetic rivalries and sacrifice, their role in human societies, and the overcoming of them in the sacrifice of Jesus. The more I read, the more I think this is revolutionary stuff-and an accurate understanding of the role of Jesus.

Are others reading Girard, and if so what are your thoughts?

Critters,
in the mood for a discussion

[Rabrrrrrr]

1. He's fucking brilliant. One of our most important thinkers.

His "Violence and the Sacred" was a real eye opener for me, and has had a large effect on my anthropological and theological thinking, especially as pertains to ethics.

I read that (along with 10 other books... sheesh...) (and yes, this was the one seminary class that I actually DID read everything assigned) on a class on "Holy War in the Bible" in seminary.

Girard is, in my opinion, one of the few philosopher/theologians who gets it right.

I have been wanting in the last couple years to read his literary critiques - I've had his Shakespeare book in my amazon shopping cart for probably three years, but havn't bought it yet since I need to wait until I know I have time to devote some serious time to it. I also just saw on Wikipedia that he has a book on Job which I would love to read.

[Critters2]

2. I've just ordered _The Girard Reader_

to give me a broad look at his work. I really think he's brilliant!