A philosopher looks at the religious life / Zena Hitz.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Hitz, Zena, 1973- author.

Series:

Philosopher looks at (Series)

A philosopher looks at

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Religion--Philosophy.

Religion.

Religious life.

Physical Description:

xxiv, 194 pages ; 20 cm.

Place of Publication:

Cambridge, United Kingdom ; New York, NY : Cambridge University Press, 2023.

Summary:

"What is happiness? Does life have a meaning? If so, is that meaning available in an ordinary life? The philosopher Zena Hitz confronted these questions head-on when she spent several years living in a Christian religious community. Religious life -- the communal life chosen by monks, nuns, friars, and hermits -- has been a part of global Christianity since earliest times, but many of us struggle to understand what could drive a person to renounce wealth, sex, children, and ambition to live a life of prayer and sacrifice. Hitz's lively and accessible book explores questions about faith, sacrifice, asceticism and happiness through philosophy, stories, and examples from religious life. Drawing on personal experience as well as film, literature, history, biography, and theology, it demystifies an important element of contemporary culture, and provides a picture of human flourishing and happiness which challenges and enriches modern-day life"-- Provided by publisher.

Contents:

Introduction: renunciation and happiness

The call

Blessed are the poor

Intimacy with God

The family of humanity

Abandonment and freedom

Conclusion: the last things.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 178-183) and index.

Other Format:

Online version: Hitz, Zena, 1973- Philosopher looks at the religious life

ISBN:

9781108995016

1108995012

OCLC:

1341211522