The Wounding and Healing of Desire: Weaving Heaven and Earth

by Wendy Farley

Using refreshingly unconventional prose, rising theologian Wendy Farley has written a theological account of the human condition that delves into the deepest dimensions of the soul. Considering human life from the perspective of the wounding and healing of desire, with desire being that within us which longs for connection, home, and beauty, Farley presents a passionate, moving account of the human condition that draws strongly upon the Christian meditative and mystical spiritual traditions. In doing so, Farley shifts the traditional images of sin and redemption into images of healing and power. The result is a theological memoir that reaches into the human depths and draws forth a response of the soul--in courage, compassion, and delight.

Genres: Theology, Spirituality, Feminism

208 pages, Paperback

First published October 3, 2005

Reviews

[Jonathan Puddle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't wish to gush too much as I realize that sometimes the right book simply comes to you at the right time, and certainly this book is not for everyone... but it easily places in my top 10 books ever written. It is simply a masterpiece of compassion and wisdom that eloquently details the human condition and lays out a path of hope and courage accessible to all. Deeply philosophical and existential, it did not appeal to my highly practical wife at all, but every single page of my copy is adorned with highlights, notes and scribblings. Highly recommended, most especially if you have interest in the intersection of trauma and the contemplative life.

[Gilbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS BOOK!! WOW WOW WOW. First of all, you MUST read "Acknowledgements." The author explains that this work was completed in an extraordinary way because the author lost her ability to read. WHAT? So already I was reading on with an open mind and admiration. Then she shares POWERFUL and BEAUTIFUL insights that she promises to flesh out in her work, really a disertation about how Desire is misunderstood and misrepresented, and can unlock so much more for us Christians if we let it.
From the Introduction: "This desire does not require that we know the way home or that we master virtues that enable us to walk a way of perfection. Desire does not wait until we are free of illusion and anger. Desire itself will guide us, past and through all of our mistakes, pain, losses, and moments of despair. If we can connect with even the smallest hint of this desire, which emanates from the divine image deep within us, then nothing, not even ourselves, can break this thread that leads us home."pg.xviii
This book needs a second reading. This book has quotes in need of memorization, or at the least, to be prayed over so that it unlocks the power of God from what we might have been hiding from all along.
One more nugget: "Love leads us, transfiguring obstacles into the path itself. For Love(God) 'will repay all pain with love.' The purifying power of desire enables us to focus more intently on the source and object of desire, even in the absence of the comfort of certainty about where we are going or what we should be doing." pg.123

[Catharine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Insightful and encouraging look at the opportunities and obstacles in spiritual life. Worth taking slowly and savoring.

[Paige · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an incredible book. And quite a bit feminist to boot! No wonder I loved it. Farley does such a great job reengaging and recalibrating key aspects of the Christian faith in new, life-giving ways. She reclaims desires as holy and passion as divinely-given. I have so many good things to say about this text but it's best that you just go ahead and read it. Farley is a breath of fresh air in the midst of many heavy, systematic, doctrinal theology texts. She engages the most human and the most divine aspects of our very beings. Get ready to explore yourself deeply inside this text. It's one I will continue returning to.

[E. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first read this book in 2016 and gave it only three stars. Last autumn I was looking over part of it to use in a sermon and what I read really resonated, in a way I didn't remember it resonating before. So, this winter I've re-read the book and this time I found much that I really liked. I highly recommend it if you are someone who has been deeply hurt and are looking for healing spiritual practices?

2016 review
How do we respond to and spiritually mature through our suffering? A worthy contribution to spiritual theology standing in the tradition of some of the great mystics like St. John of the Cross, St. Theresa of Avila, Simone Weil, etc.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Feminist inflected contemplative spirituality. Good for the soul.