Violence and the Sacred
Book Brief
Beta352
Book • Nonfiction
1972
Johns Hopkins University Press
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Violence and the Sacred by René Girard explores the role of violence in religious rituals and society. Girard examines how communities transfer aggression to sacrificial victims to maintain social harmony. He discusses the concept of mimetic desire, where individuals' desires are influenced by others, leading to conflict and the need for ritualistic resolution.
Mysterious
Challenging
Contemplative
Dark
Unnerving
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
René Girard's Violence and the Sacred explores the relationship between violence, religion, and culture, proposing the theory of mimetic desire and sacrificial rites. Praised for its originality and depth, some find its arguments dense and challenging. Critics appreciate its interdisciplinary approach but note the complex prose may be daunting for general readers.
Who Should Read Violence and the Sacred?
A reader interested in René Girard's Violence and the Sacred likely has a keen interest in anthropology, religion, and literary criticism. They may also enjoy works like Durkheim’s The Elementary Forms of Religious Life or Frazer’s The Golden Bough, as they delve into ritualistic aspects of human culture.
352
Book • Nonfiction
1972
Johns Hopkins University Press
Adult
18+ years
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