The Wounding and Healing of Desire: Weaving Heaven and Earth

by Farley, Wendy

• ISBN13: 9780664229764
• ISBN10: 066422976X
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2005-10-03
• Publisher: Westminster John Knox Pr

Summary

Using refreshingly unconventional prose, rising theologian Wendy Farley has written a theological account of the human condition that delves into the deepest dimensions of the soul. Considering human life from the perspective of the wounding and healing of desire, with desire being that within us which longs for connection, home, and beauty, Farley presents a passionate, moving account of the human condition that draws strongly upon the Christian meditative and mystical spiritual traditions. In doing so, Farley shifts the traditional images of sin and redemption into images of healing and power. The result is a theological memoir that reaches into the human depths and draws forth a response of the soul--in courage, compassion, and delight.

Author Biography

Wendy Farley is Associate Professor of Religion and Ethics in the Department of Religion at Emory University.

Table of Contents

Preface	ix
Acknowledgments	xv
Introduction	xvii
Wounded by True Love: Desire for Things Lost	1	(18)
``Knit and Oned to God'': A Christian Story of Bondage and Transformation	19	(16)
The Passions: Wounds of Love	35	(20)
``Caught on the Fangs of Affliction'': Terror, Rage, and Addiction	55	(16)
The Demons Hide Themselves: Temptation by the Good	71	(24)
The Divine Eros	95	(20)
Contemplation	115	(32)
``Christ Stripped Me of My Virtues'': Ecstatic Power	147	(20)
Notes	167	(8)
Bibliography	175	(8)
Index	183