Silent God and the Silenced
A groundbreaking exploration of the transformative power of silence
The Silent God and the Silenced: Mysticism and Contemplation amid Suffering explores the theological and spiritual dimensions of silence, challenging traditional speech/silence dichotomies. Cho investigates the silenced voices of the vulnerable, interweaving Christian mysticism, literature, and art to reveal silence's subversive potential in unlearning dominant narratives. The book advocates a theological approach that seriously considers silence and prioritizes attentive listening to promote genuine accountability. By engaging with figures such as Evagrius Ponticus, Hadewijch of Antwerp, Michel de Certeau, and Simone Weil, alongside contemporary voices like Theresa Hak Kyung Cha and Arundhati Roy, the book offers fresh perspectives on the transformative power of silence in today's turbulent world.
This interdisciplinary exploration will intrigue scholars and enthusiasts of theology, literature, and art. Readers will discover how silence can serve as a counterpoint to the noise and violence of modern life, providing avenues for resisting injustice and fostering contemplative, transformative pathways to spiritual and intellectual growth.
Min-Ah Cho is assistant teaching professor in the Department of Theology and Religious Studies at Georgetown University.