May 27, 2021 Editor

René Girard, Conversion, and the Present Media Moment

WN: This is immensely helpful in this historical moment.

Lumen Christi Institute

Grant Kaplan Saint Louis University

Carly Osborn University of Divinity

Fr. Steve Grunow Word on Fire Catholic Ministries

Cynthia Haven National Endowment for the Humanities

This event is co-sponsored by Word on Fire Catholic Ministries and America Media.

While social media has become a source of meaning and identity formation for many, its dangers have become clear in recent years, from promoting disinformation to algorithm-aided polarization. Despite these dangers, can social media be a medium for the Gospel? Does a model for discipleship within social media exist? René Girard’s theory of mimesis or imitation provides a powerful diagnostic for analyzing aspects of human behavior and culture that contribute to the current media climate, including rivalry, escalation, and scapegoating. It also points towards the fragile possibility of positive mimesis: imitation of Christ.

Join us for a panel drawing together Girard scholars and Catholic media experts to explore how Girard’s analysis can inform our understanding of the current media climate and how we might approach social media as a space for evangelization and conversion. —

For full bios of our speakers, see our website: https://www.lumenchristi.org/event/20…

Please also see: Lumen Christi Institute

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Editor

Wayne Northey was Director of Man-to-Man/Woman-to-Woman – Restorative Christian Ministries (M2/W2) in British Columbia, Canada from 1998 to 2014, when he retired. He has been active in the criminal justice arena and a keen promoter of Restorative Justice since 1974. He has published widely on peacemaking and justice themes. You will find more about that on this website: a work in progress.

Always appreciate constructive feedback! Thanks.