Why modern literature remains haunted by the enduring, complex struggle for religious faith
In short: For many, religious language has become stale or entirely meaningless. Yet, the works of twenty prominent novelists and poets reveal that faith remains a central, haunting presence. Whether they were devout believers or committed non-believers, these writers demonstrate that the struggle with spiritual questions continues to shape modern creative expression.
In his exploration of the intersection between literature and belief, Richard Harries examines the lives and works of twenty distinct writers. This collection includes figures who held deep religious convictions, such as T.S. Eliot and W.H. Auden, alongside those who identified as non-believers, including Samuel Beckett and Philip Pullman. Despite their differing stances, all these authors grappled with the weight of faith, suggesting that the influence of religious themes persists even in a secular age.
The Rt Revd Lord Harries, who served as the Bishop of Oxford from 1987 to 2006, argues that literature offers a unique pathway to rediscover the freshness and force of religious language. At a time when traditional theological discourse may feel disconnected from contemporary life, the creative output of these poets and novelists provides a lens through which to re-examine spiritual tension. This inquiry highlights how the haunting nature of Christ—or the absence thereof—remains a potent force in the modern literary imagination.
This analysis was presented during a lecture recorded on October 25, 2018, at Barnard’s Inn Hall, London. Lord Harries, currently a Life Peer and Honorary Professor of Theology, engaged in this discussion with Alec Ryrie, the Gresham Professor of Divinity. By bridging the gap between academic theology and the lived experience of writers, the project underscores the enduring relevance of faith as a subject of intense intellectual and emotional struggle, regardless of an individual's personal religious commitment.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Haunted by Christ: Modern Writers and the Struggle for Faith - The Rt Revd Lord Harries
- Also: Haunted by Christ: Modern Writers and the Struggle for Faith
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