Paradoxically, we have become so ethnocentric in our relativism that we feel it is only okay for others - not us - to think their religion is superior!

René Girard’s quote addresses a paradox in modern relativism and the way people approach religion and cultural differences. He argues that, in our current age, we have become so ethnocentric in our belief that every culture’s truth is relative that we ironically fall into the trap of thinking that it is acceptable for others to consider their religion superior, but not for us to do the same. This suggests a double standard in the way we apply tolerance and acceptance—believing that others have the right to view their own belief system as superior, but not allowing the same for ourselves. Girard critiques this contradiction, highlighting the limitations of cultural relativism when it comes to discussing religion.

The core of Girard’s statement lies in the tension between relativism—the idea that there are no absolute truths—and the ethnocentrism that still pervades our attitudes toward other cultures. While many advocate for the acceptance of diverse belief systems, relativism often leads to the unspoken belief that certain cultures or systems are still inherently superior. Girard sees this as a paradox because while we advocate for tolerance and the acceptance of all religions, we simultaneously place ourselves in a position where we view our own beliefs as more enlightened or correct, thus becoming intolerant in the process.

Girard’s critique also points to the underlying psychological mechanisms that fuel this behavior. Cultural relativism, when taken to extremes, can lead to a form of moral paralysis, where we are unable to assert our own beliefs without feeling guilty or hypocritical. Yet, paradoxically, this stance allows others to claim moral or religious superiority without challenge. Girard’s quote asks us to reflect on the inconsistencies in our approach to other cultures and to recognize that true tolerance must involve mutual respect for all belief systems, not just the acceptance of others without the freedom to assert our own.

The origin of this quote stems from Girard’s broader work in philosophy, anthropology, and religion. As a thinker who explored the nature of violence, scapegoating, and the role of mimetic desire in human culture, Girard was deeply concerned with how religious beliefs and cultural practices intersect with human behavior. His work often critiqued how people and societies are shaped by unconscious desires for dominance and the tendency to view our own beliefs as the most valid. This quote reflects his engagement with the complexities of modern cultural discourse and the way we grapple with the tension between tolerance and pride in our own worldview.