Jesus as the ultimate scapegoat: The philosophy of René Girard

On this week’s episode of “Jesuitical,” Zac and Ashley chat with Sam Sorich, an award-winning filmmaker teaching film production at John Paul the Great Catholic University in Escondido, California. His latest film, which you can watch on YouTube, is “Things Hidden: The Life and Legacy of René Girard.”

Zac, Ashley and Sam discuss: 

- How Sam’s love of filmmaking and faith led him to make a documentary on the life and work of philosopher René Girard

- Mimetic desire, Girard’s central theory of human behavior and relationships

- Girard’s insights that offer a new perspective on Christian theology

In Signs of the Times, Zac and Ashley discuss the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ plan to end a decades-long partnership with the U.S. government related to refugee resettlement after funding cuts from the Trump administration; and the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, the first ecumenical council in the history of the church. 

Zoom Event | Praying through Holy Week with ‘Jesuitical’ and Father James Martin

As we enter into Holy Week, join America Media for a subscriber-only virtual event with James Martin, S.J., and “Jesuitical” hosts Zac Davis and Ashley McKinless.

Links for further reading: 

Things Hidden: The Life and Legacy of René Girard

8beats 

8beats and Cinematic Catholic Beauty: An Interview with Sam Sorich

U.S. bishops will cease refugee resettlement work with government after Trump funding freeze

Nicaea anniversary inspires faith, strengthens mission, theologians say

The Council of Nicaea, Christian unity and a common date for Easter

Pope Francis hopes to travel to Turkey for Council of Nicea’s 1,700th anniversary

"Inside the Vatican": The Council of Nicaea and the struggle for a common date of Easter

Why the Council of Nicaea still matters—1,700 years later

You can follow us on X and on Instagram @jesuiticalshow.  

You can find us on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/jesuitical. 

Please consider supporting Jesuitical by becoming a digital subscriber to America Media at americamagazine.org/subscribe.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices