Simone Weil and The Suffering of Love

Download or read book Simone Weil and The Suffering of Love written by Eric O. Springsted and published by Wipf and Stock Publishers. This book was released on 2010-04-01 with total page 149 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Simone Weil is one of the few spiritual thinkers to give an adequate account for the place of suffering in our world. We traditionally view suffering as that which thwarts our most profound longings and happiness. Simone Weil insists that suffering is not a problem to overcome. Suffering, as it arises in the sacrifices of divine and human love is a fact of life, neither to be rejected nor invited, but also something that can shape human life by opening itself to the divine love. Here again is Springsted's comprehensive treatment of Simone Weil's religious insights, unique is her understanding of the scientific modern age without cynicism, meanwhile embracing much of traditional Christian spirituality without naivete. In her unusual approach that is new and yet draws on ancient thought, Weil supports a radical theology, insisting that the oppressed - with whom she identified - are not assisted by a transfer of power, but they must, like those in power, view suffering as a way of overcoming the human penchant for self-centeredness, and as a way of drawing closer to the world in love and as a whole.