Our Hearts Are Restless: The Art of Spiritual Memoir
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Author Description
A guided tour of spiritual autobiography that grants readers new insights and appreciation of the genreThe genre of spiritual autobiography has flourished ever since Augustine essentially invented it in the fourth century. In Our Hearts Are Restless, Richard Lischer--himself the author of two spiritual memoirs--takes readers on a guided tour of the genre, examining the life writings of twenty-one figures from the expected (Thomas Merton) to the surprising (James Baldwin); from the sublime Julian of Norwich and Emily Dickinson to the outrageous Anne Lamott.Lischer is a perceptive reader and an engaging guide in the art and craft of spiritual writing. Our Hearts Are Restless shows readers how history's most brilliant spiritual writers have sought and found a pattern of meaning in the face of tragedy, conflict, and the responsibilities of daily life.
Menrva's Summary
THE THESIS
How do spiritual autobiographers construct a coherent narrative of meaning out of the fragmented experiences of human existence? Richard Lischer, a theologian and accomplished memoirist, examines the evolution of spiritual autobiography from its origins in the fourth century to the present day. By analyzing the works of twenty-one diverse writers, Lischer argues that the act of writing one's life is a deliberate attempt to reconcile personal tragedy and daily responsibility with a larger, transcendent pattern of meaning.
THE SCOPE MAP
What You Will Find
- A historical survey of spiritual autobiography starting with Augustine.
- Comparative analyses of twenty-one distinct authors including Thomas Merton, James Baldwin, Julian of Norwich, and Anne Lamott.
- An exploration of the craft and technical challenges inherent in writing about one's own spiritual development.
- Thematic investigations into how writers navigate conflict, tragedy, and the mundane aspects of life through prose.
THE AUTHORITY PERSPECTIVE
Critics and readers frequently praise Lischer for his ability to bridge the gap between academic theology and accessible literary appreciation. Experts highlight this work as a valuable resource for both aspiring memoirists and those interested in the history of religious self-reflection.
Page Count:
387
Publication Date:
2022-01-01
Publisher:
Oxford University Press
ISBN-10:
0197649068
ISBN-13:
9780197649060
Spirituality
Memoir
Biography
Religion
History
Bibles
Nonfiction
Religion
Literary Criticism
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