World renowned scholar Rene Girard (1923-2015) was an historian, literary critic, and social philosopher. The author of more than 30 books, he taught for many years at Stanford University, and was inducted into the Academie francaise in 2005.

Girard's pioneering work in mimetic theory has influenced numerous academic disciplines from anthropology and psychology to literary theory and theology.

The title I Saw Satan Fall Like Lightning echoes Jesus' reply to his 70 disciples on their return from preparing towns to receive him, reporting that "even the demons obey us when we use your name" (Luke 10:17-18) In this mind-opening work Girard persuades the reader that even as our world grows increasingly violent the power of the Christ is so great that the evils of scapegoating and sacrifice are being defeated, and new community, God's nonviolent kingdom, is being realized even now.