The Catholic anthropologist Rene Girard (19232015) 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 socialmedia, politicalpolarization, and globalized conflict, Girard's ideas have only proven increasinglyprophetic 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 readersif Girard shows up on their radar at allface a high barrier of entry to understanding his theory and applying it to daily life.I Came to Cast Fireoffers a timely solution: a comprehensive but accessible introduction to the thought of Rene Girard. Inshort and digestible chapters, Fr. Elias Carr takes readers through the basics of mimetic theory and how it plays out through historyfrom the violent origins of religion and culture to the radical revelation that unfolds in Christweaving in compelling personal anecdotes along the way. The perfect first step for those new to Girard,I Came to CastFirewill not only inspire readers to see the world in a new lightthe fire of the Paraclete proclaiming the innocence of the victimbut more importantly, to enter into it.