Literature and Theology - recent issues

The Augustinian Soliloquies of an Early Modern Reader: A Stylistic Relation of Shakespeare's Hamlet?

Staykova, J. D. — 2009-05-24

Augustine's Soliloquia, an early dialogue composed in 386–387 A.D., is a significant precursor of Augustine's interior turn and the dramatised account of his mental life in the Confessions. The present essay suggests that the reception of the Augustinian soliloquy in early modern England was mediated by a compilation that bore the title St. Augustine's Soliloquies but was not written by Augustine. Published under variant titles advertising the devotional practices of its three principal pieces, Meditationes Sancti Augustini, Soliloquiorum animae ad deum, and Manuale de aspiratione hominis ad Deum, the compilation was widely known on the continent and had an energetic reception in England, going through twenty-seven translated editions in the 1550s–1640s alone. In light of the publishing history of the pseudo-Augustinian apocrypha, the essay investigates evidence of the currency of soliloquy in early modern usage, and suggests that the soliloquies in Tudor and early Stuart devotional practice originate in the apocryphal Meditations, Soliloquies and Manual. Finally, after comparing a passage from the apocryphal compilation with Hamlet's soliloquy in I.ii.129–137, the essay argues that early modern devotional soliloquies display significant stylistic similarities to the dramatic soliloquies of the age.

Dutch Religious Love Emblems: Reflections of Faith and Toleration in the Later 17th Century

Stronks, E. — 2009-05-24

In this article, I examine the process of appropriation demonstrated in early modern Dutch religious love emblems published in the Dutch Republic around 1700. These religious love emblems were adaptations of Roman Catholic emblem books, originally made by Jesuits or priests in the Southern Netherlands around 1630. The reconstruction of the network formed by these religious emblems in the Republic, and an analysis of the gaps between the originals and their adaptations, allow us to take a closer look at changing attitudes towards religious faith and religious toleration at the time.

Ambivalent Imperialism: The Missionary Rhetoric of Robert Boyd

Livingstone, J. — 2009-05-24

Postcolonial Studies has directed much of its critique of British Imperialism at those informal agents responsible for the cultural crimes of colonial exploitation. Missionaries have routinely been charged with cultural annihilation and for conjuring up images of different and distant peoples and places. In keeping with a growing trend in historical studies, this article revisits the complexity of missionary involvement in colonialism, and its rhetorical construction of otherness. But I do this in quite a different way by examining as literature writings produced by missionaries themselves. Specifically, I analyse the works of Robert Boyd, a missionary in India in the early 20th century and later convener of Foreign Mission for the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. By bringing the tools of rhetorical analysis to bear upon such ‘non-literary’ texts, I hope to intervene in a debate dominated by historians and theologians. I argue that the relationship between mission and imperialism is one of ambivalence, an ever complex dynamic, which refuses the cliché of the bible and the gun as the dual tools of empire.

'Equanimity': Les Murray, Levinas and the Breath of God

Cooper, I. — 2009-05-24

This article provides a close reading of Les Murray's poem ‘Equanimity’ in the context of Emmanuel Lévinas’ ethical thought. It argues that Murray's poem can be located in relation to Paul Celan's concept of the ‘turn of breath’, a hermeneutics of voice and address that points to Lévinas' understanding of the face of the other. ‘Equanimity’ both works out a conception of encounter with the other that has strong parallels in Lévinas (particularly concerning the themes of speaking and seeing), and seeks to move beyond an ethics based in difference by incorporating speech and vision into a theology of grace.

A Deleuzian Analysis of Thomas Altizer's Style

Carlsson, P. — 2009-05-24

This article offers a new entrance into the radical theology of Thomas J. J. Altizer and suggests a contemporary relevance of his theology that might not yet be fully acknowledged. By relating Altizer's theology to the French thinker Gilles Deleuze's notions of repetition and the actual/virtual the article suggests a subversive force in precisely those stylistic characteristics of Altizer's prose that have been critiqued for indicating an incomplete break with modernist thought.

Emplotting Forgiveness: Narrative, Forgetting and Memory

Tran, J. — 2009-05-24

Miroslav Volf has provocatively argued that redemption necessitates forgetting (1996, 2006). Yet, Volf's claims insufficiently consider the narratival configuration of memory. This essay utilises Paul Ricoeur's work on mimesis in order to challenge Volf's case for forgetting. The author advances Ricoeur's philosophical description of forgiveness toward a theological account of divine forgiveness as re-narration, gift-giving funded by trinitarian abundance.

In Memoriam Robert Detweiler (1932-2008)

Jasper, D. — 2009-05-24

Gregory of Nyssa, Ancient and (Post)modern. By Morwenna Ludlow. * Clement of Alexandria: A Project of Christian Perfection. By Piotr Ashwin-Siejkowski.

Jasper, D. — 2009-05-24

Religion without Belief: Contemporary Allegory and the Search for Postmodern Faith. By Jean Ellen Petrolle.

Ruf, F. J. — 2009-05-24

Reframing Theology and Film. New Focus for an Emerging Discipline. Edited by Robert K. Johnston.

Birzache, A. — 2009-05-24

Earth and World Classic Sermons on Saving the Planet. Edited by David Rhoads.

Smith, A. — 2009-05-24

Douglas Coupland. By Andrew Tate.

Stewart, F. — 2009-05-24

Terry Eagleton: A Critical Introduction. By James Smith.

Taylor, T. K. — 2009-05-24

Karl Barth and Hans Urs Von Balthasar: A Critical Engagement. By Stephen D. Wigley.

Taylor, T. K. — 2009-05-24

The Religion and Film Reader. Edited by Jolyon Mitchell and S. Brent Plate.

Murphy, D. — 2009-05-24

What Would Jesus Deconstruct?: The Good News of Postmodernity for the Church. By John D. Caputo.

Rivera, J. M. — 2009-05-24

The Death of God: An Investigation into the History of the Western Concept of God. By Frederiek Depoortere.

Martinson, M. — 2009-05-24

Perspectives on the Passion: Encountering the Bible Through the Arts. Edited by Christine E. Joynes.

Orr, D. M. — 2009-05-24

Notices and Reports

2009-05-24

Shifting Perspectives: Sin and Salvation in Julian's A Revelation of Love

Van Engen, A. — 2009-02-25

In A Revelation of Love, Julian of Norwich has a problem: Holy Church blames humans for sin, but God does not. Julian's solution lies in her Parable of the Lord and the Servant, which, I argue, does not reconcile this contradiction, but instead embraces it. The resulting doctrine of salvation envisions a back-and-forth shift of perspectives—from blame to blamelessness—that finally terminates in heavenly union with God. The essay ends by situating Julian's soteriology in its medieval context, arguing that what was once a corrective message of love in a culture centered on God's wrath has often become today a message of self-esteem in a culture centered on God's love.

Walking into the Frame:A Theological Exploration of Pilgrimage along Anton Mauve's A Dutch Road

Clingerman, F. — 2009-02-25

To offer a contemporary theological interpretation of pilgrimage, how might we describe the meaning of journeying and illustrate its spiritual depth? Integrating insights from the theology of culture and the theology of place, a philosophical theology of pilgrimage defines spiritual journeying as a uniquely dialectical movement of place and movement, being and action, dwelling and mobility. To show this, the first part of the essay provides an interpretation of a work of art, by investigating the unlikely but evocative description of pilgrimage found in the painting by Anton Mauve called A Dutch Road. In a reflection on this painting, the meaning of pilgrimage is found by walking into the frame of the canvas. Second, a more critical examination of a Christian theology of pilgrimage is developed as a response to Mauve's painting. The movement of the traveler can be shown as the identification of the Christian with the communio viatorum, as well as in the movement between journey and destination. Thus, within the surface of a painting, we find an important portrayal of the relationship between finite and infinite as it appears in human journeys.

Painting the Pope: An Analysis of Francis Bacon's Study After Velazquez's Portrait of Innocent X

Arya, R. — 2009-02-25

In many discussions of his work Bacon is disparaging about religion, and more specifically, Christianity. And yet, in spite of his unequivocal stance, throughout his oeuvre he was relentlessly drawn towards the symbols of the Christian tradition, especially the motif of the Crucifixion and the Pope. In this article I want to compare Velázquez's painting of Pope Innocent X (1650) and Bacon's Study after Velázquez's Portrait of Innocent X (1953) in order to assess the reasons that explain Bacon's obsession with the image of the Pope. His descriptor ‘study after’ in the title qualifies his aims, which entailed deconstructing the Velázquez painting and reappropriating it for his own ends. I think it fitting to describe Bacon's version as being a mirror-image or photographic negative of Velázquez's. And although Bacon virulently critiques the institutions of the Church, he is dependent upon the wealth of theological sources for his imagery as well as the position of theism, which alone gives credence to his practice.

The Poetry of Anthony Thwaite: An Archaeology of Belief

Gardner, K. J. — 2009-02-25

The defining characteristic of the poetry of Anthony Thwaite is the poet's profound interest in archaeology. This essay explores how the archaeologist's scientific method is used to explore not merely the historical and material but also the personal and the spiritual. Throughout his poetry Thwaite sustains a steady exploration of religious practice and belief through archaeological metaphor, but his most striking archeological motif lies in the poetic impulse to turn the archaeological excavation on the self. In surprising ways, he uses his archaeological experience and knowledge to explore his own spiritual and religious impulses, and discovers the vibrancy of belief not only among past cultures but also in the present. Thwaite's serious curiosity about religious faith allows him to unearth an expected desire for belief within himself.

Jonestown in Literature: Caribbean Reflections on a Tragedy

Moore, R. — 2009-02-25

This article examines how several Caribbean writers are using the mass deaths in Jonestown, Guyana in 1978 as elements of their works. Utilising Mikhail Bakhtin's concepts of centripetal and centrifugal forces, and the push-pull dynamic between monologue and dialogue, the article compares Caribbean visions with the central narrative about Jonestown that currently exists. Official accounts about Jonestown focus on the charismatic leader, Jim Jones, and the bizarre nature of the deaths. Caribbean literary representations of Peoples Temple and Jonestown, however, focus on the effects of colonialism, and thus exert a centrifugal influence on monologic discourse about Jonestown. The article concludes that the multiplicity of representations approaches Bakhtin's idea of carnival, in which diverse viewpoints are celebrated outside of mainstream channels.

Michel Houellebecq and the Theological Virtues

Lloyd, V. — 2009-02-25

The controversial contemporary French author Michel Houellebecq is generally regarded as anti-religious. His works explore the implications of postmodern, capitalist-dominated culture. I argue that, particularly in The Possibility of an Island, Houellebecq in fact offers resources for thinking constructively about religion in postmodernity. Particularly, Houellebecq explores the themes of faith, hope and love. I suggest that Houellebecq's discussion of the theological virtues has Augustinian resonances. Through a close reading of The Possibility of an Island, I explicate what Houellebecq has to say about the theological virtues, and I begin to consider broader implications of Houellebecq's work.

Christ and Empire: From Paul to Postcolonial Times. By Joerg Rieger. * The Power of the Word: Scripture and the Rhetoric of Empire. By Elisabeth Schussler Fiorenza. * Empire and the Christian Tradition: New Readings of Classical Theologians. Edited by Kwok Pui-lan, Don H. Compier and Joerg Rieger. * The Arrogance of Empire: Reading Romans in the Shadow of Empire. By Neil Elliott.

Lowe, M. F. — 2009-02-25

Between the Text and the Canvas. The Bible and Art in Dialogue. Edited by J. Cheryl Exum and Ela Nutu. * Painting the Text. The Artist as Biblical Interpreter. By Martin O'Kane.

Orr, D. — 2009-02-25

Paul Ricoeur and the Poetic Imperative: The Creative Tension between Love and Justice. By W. David Hall.

Carter, J. — 2009-02-25

Chasing Tales: Travel Writing, Journalism and the History of British Ideas about Afghanistan. By Corinne Fowler.

Fitzgerald, T. — 2009-02-25

Lectura Dantis Purgatorio. A Canto-by-Canto Commentary. Edited by Allen Mandelbaum, Anthony Oldcorn and Charles Ross.

Bittarello, M. B. — 2009-02-25

The God of Love and Human Dignity: Essays in Honour of George M. Newlands. Edited by Paul Middleton.

Fuller, M. — 2009-02-25

See the Virgin Blest: The Virgin Mary in English Poetry. By Barry Spurr.

Jasper, D. — 2009-02-25

Dostoevsky: Language, Faith, and Fiction. By Rowan Williams.

Hillier, R. M. — 2009-02-25

Notices and Reports

2009-02-25

The Wreath, The Rock and The Winepress: Passion Iconography in Milton's Paradise Regain'd

Hillier, R. M. — 2008-11-26

Readers of Paradise Regain'd have been perplexed by Milton's preference for the Gospel temptation narratives over the Passion narratives in describing the Son's regaining of Paradise. The article argues that, in explicitly laying down the pattern of a Christian hero in the character of the Messiah, Milton enriches his brief epic with a subtle Passion iconography. Milton's brief epic defines exemplary heroic martyrdom by re-appropriating and transfiguring the Messianic icons of the thorny wreath and the immovable rock from William Marshall's frontispiece to Eikon Basilike. Furthermore, in his winepress simile, Milton adopts a traditional conceit highly evocative of the Son's Passion within the Christian imaginary. Milton's treatment of the wreath, the rock and the winepress suggests that the atonement is of greater moment for Milton's theology, politics and poetry than some of his readers have supposed.

Reflection and the Aesthetics of Grace in Villette

Freedman, L. — 2008-11-26

This article is a reading of the aesthetics of grace through the Pauline theology in Villette. Divine grace is given as a gift and is fulfilled only in death. I discuss the Pauline theology which underlies the novel and argue that the structures of giving and withholding are central to Lucy's sense of her own salvation. I explore the connection between surveillance and the Pauline idea of ‘seeing through a glass darkly’ and argue that the aesthetics of grace are ultimately tied to the book's status as a reflected narrative.

Crucified by God: Kazantzakis and the Last Anfechtung of Christ

Podmore, S. D. — 2008-11-26

Christ's struggles in Nikos Kazantzakis's The Last Temptation against temptations of the flesh and trials of the spirit can be read as a post/modern analogy of the differentiation—as formulated by Martin Luther and reaffirmed by Søren Kierkegaard—between earthly ‘temptation’ [Versuchung] and divinely instigated spiritual trial [Anfechtung]. Moreover, Kazantzakis's novel enriches previous literature on Anfechtung by vividly and appositely illustrating how Anfechtung and temptation may coexist antagonistically within the same trial of Christ. Through this Kierkegaardian-Lutheran lens, Kazantzakis's novel may thus be read as evocatively transcribing a humanistic rendition of the angefochtene Christus which implicitly collapses the ‘infinite qualitative difference’ between humanity and divinity so essential to Kierkegaard's own modern rehabilitation of the archaic notion of Anfechtung.

‘God himself is crucifying him!’¹

Pentecostalism and all that Jazz: Tracing James Baldwin's Religion

Field, D. — 2008-11-26

This essay considers the theme of religion in the work of James Baldwin. Although it is well-documented that Baldwin was a child preacher, and although much of his work draws on this experience, there is little sustained criticism on the impact of religion on his life and work and few scholars have explored the impact of the writer's Pentecostal background. This article maintains that Baldwin's Pentecostal background is central to an understanding of his complicated views on Christianity, illuminating the connections in his work between music and the church. The article concludes by exploring Baldwin's concept of love, arguing that this troublesome concept is central to the author's exploration of religion and community.

The Paradox of Spiritual Matter and the Spiritual Matter of Paradox in Seamus Heaney and Robert Boyle

Rizzo, S. — 2008-11-26

By examining the convergences between Seamus Heaney's oeuvre and Robert Boyle's 1669 treatise ‘The History of Fluidity and Firmness’, this essay shows that the Irish Poet Laureate has more in common with his famous seventeenth-century countryman than he does with the postmodernists with whom so many of today's critics wish to associate him. Most postmodernists—handicapped as they are by strictly materialist philosophies—flounder in the apparent contradictions lying at the surface of natural phenomena, and thereby conclude that meaning is unknowable or nonexistent. Heaney, on the other hand, investigates natural processes like erosion and petrification, dissolution and crystallization, with the keen eye, open mind, and Biblically enlightened spirit of the natural philosophers. Consequently, like Boyle, Heaney pushes deeper into the mysteries of nature and discovers spiritual truth in material paradox.

Nostalgia and Redemption in Joseph Kanon's The Good German

Buhrman, W. D. — 2008-11-26

This article explores Joseph Kanon's depiction and challenge in The Good German to two prevailing American memories about World War II, that of a beneficent American occupation and of a universal German guilt. The article describes these deeply held memories as metanarratives that fashion identities within the setting of the novel by establishing who needs to be redeemed and who does not. The novel provides a ready example of the way postmodern nostalgia can be used not only to save oneself through memory but also condemn the other who is the object of the metanarrative but nevertheless hidden by it.

Adomnan and the Holy Places. The Perceptions of an Insular Monk on the Locations of the Biblical Drama. By Thomas O'Loughlin.

Murdoch, B. — 2008-11-26

Ancrene Wisse. A Corrected Edition of the Text in Cambridge, Corpus Christi College, MS 402, with Variants from Other Manuscripts. Edited by Bella Millett, drawing on the uncompleted edition by E. J. Dobson, with a glossary and additional notes by Richard Dance.

Murdoch, B. — 2008-11-26

Iconic Spaces: The Dark Theology of Samuel Beckett's Drama. By Sandra Wynands.

Whistler, D. — 2008-11-26

Narrative Theology and Moral Theology: The Infinite Horizon. By Alexander Lucie-Smith.

Lowe, M. F. — 2008-11-26

Approaching Apocalypse: Unveiling Revelation in Victorian Writing. By Kevin Mills.

Knight, M. — 2008-11-26

The Genesis of Fiction: Modern Novelists as Biblical Interpreters. By Terry R. Wright.

Dickinson, D. — 2008-11-26

The Oxford Handbook of English Literature and Theology. Edited by Andrew W. Hass, David Jasper and Elisabeth Jay.

Mason, E., Roberts, J. — 2008-11-26