C. A. Spirn, Prayer in the Writings of Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Charles A. SPIRN, Prayer in the Writings of Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Bern / Berlin / Bruxelles / Frankfurt am Main / New York / Oxford / Wien, Peter Lang, 2008, 176 p.
EAN : 9781433101380


RÉSUMÉ

This book casts a new light on Rousseau's personality and beliefs. Although the predominant thinkers of the time had a deistic outlook (God as distant and impersonal) and stressed rationalism and enlightenment, Rousseau stressed man's moral and spiritual aspects and needs, including praying to a God who listens and may respond. In this book, Charles A. Spirn has collected the prayers Rousseau wrote, which are scattered throughout his writings, thus publishing his acclaimed dissertation. Rousseau's beliefs are shown to be largely theistic, believing in a God who rules the world and has a personal, providential, and responsive relationship with humanity. He is increasingly seen as the most influential French thinker of the 18^th century who challenged the great of his day. Both clergymen and laymen turned to him for guidance in spiritual and existential matters.


BIOGRAPHIE

Charles A. Spirn received his B.A. and rabbinic ordination from Yeshiva University and his Ph.D. in French literature from Columbia University in New York. While at Yeshiva University he was the editor of the highly praised student magazine, Le Flambeau, and later served as a lecturer in French. He has published numerous articles on various aspects of French literature and received many awards and honors in appreciation of his activities in the rabbinate, hospital chaplaincy, and French writings.