Overview

The spirited history of a literary search for God's presence in the modern world

Art and literature are in the business of enchantment. When we are enchanted, we are captivated by some part of life—whether it be the fragile charm of the week-old infant or the force of a waterfall that takes our breath away. Enchantment—like the vital energy of Eros—defies definition. Poetry more often finds the words for this phenomenon. This book opens a window into the rich writings of Catholic authors during the 20th century—including Evelyn Waugh, James Joyce, Flannery O'Connor, Graham Greene and others—who found the mesmerizing presence of God in an often disenchanted world.

Author Biography

James D. Whitehead is a theologian (Ph.D., Harvard University) who studies the interplay of religion and culture. In their shared career spanning 45 years and 15 books, he and his wife Evelyn continue to explore the vital themes emerging in contemporary Christian spirituality. Evelyn Eaton Whitehead is a developmental psychologist (Ph.D., University of Chicago) whose work focuses on spiritual development in adult life.