Listening for God: Contemporary Literature and the Life of Faith (Book)
Paula J. Carlson, Peter S. Hawkins, Editors.  Minneapolis, MN: Augsburg Fortress Press, 1994.

Maintaining that contemporary American literature may be one of the most rewarding—if not predictable—places to listen for God, Paula Carlson and Peter Hawkins introduce eight authors who are not necessarily "religious," but whose writings edge the reader toward a new awareness of God.

In a brief introduction at the beginning of each chapter, Carlson or Hawkins discusses the faith background, literary history and a selected writing of one author (among them Flannery O’Connor, Annie Dillard, Garrison Keillor, Alice Walker, Frederick Buechner, Patricia Hampl, Richard Rodriguez, and Raymond Carver). While the introduction greatly enriches the selected writing, pointing to themes that might otherwise be missed, the reader may want to read the selection first, allowing it to unfold on its own. Each selection is followed by a "Guide to Reflection," a list of stimulating and provocative questions designed for group discussion.

Carlson and Hawkins have chosen well: their stated hope that "the selections here will raise questions, spark discussion, make the life of faith more an engagement with contemporary American culture and less a flight from it," has been realized. Listening for God, Volume 1 is a powerful book. Its writings will be woven into group discussions, individual conversations, personal meditations and sermons as the readers recognize themselves in the pages and catch sight of the Holy One as well.

Average Customer Rating: Not yet rated
Rate this resource and share your thoughts.

Return to category listing