I found the search for primary sources to be much easier than the source for secondary sources and, consequently, far more enjoyable. The genre of spiritual autobiography is widespread and far-reaching, covering works from the seventeenth century as well as contemporary pieces. What I found most interesting about this portion of my research was the fact that many of the central themes to spiritual autobiographies have remained constant over time, but the context and style of writing has changed quite a bit. The primary sources I referenced were each a sort of generative, evolutive piece, as they walked the reader through the author's course of development and encouraged her invited her to participate in the author's exploration of the inner-self.
The primary source I was most intrigued by was
Pastrix: The Cranky,
Beautiful Faith of a Sinner & Saint by Nadia Bolz-Weber. Although I was already familiar with this work, I had never thought of it as a spiritual autobiography, even though that is exactly what it is. Pastrix is far raunchier than the traditional Protestant or Catholic spiritual autobiographies I discovered in my research, and yet, it meets many of the same qualifications. In her spiritual autobiography, Bolz-Weber dives into some of the messiest corners of her heart, authentically grappling with some of her most personal and intimate experiences with doubt, discovery, and understanding. She discusses her relationship with the church, her relationship with others, and her perception of herself in a way that is deeply compelling and intractably spiritual, making her work an excellent example of a contemporary spiritual autobiography.
Although Pastrix is certainly an unconventional take on the genre (and rightly so, for its unconventional authorship), it helped me to piece together what the genre of spiritual autobiography is all about, especially because I could consider it in compare to some of my more traditional primary sources. Finding such contrast and diversity in my research made my quest for primary sources all the more enjoyable, and my perspective on the genre of spiritual autobiography all the more appreciative.
You mentioned how though themes have stayed constant in the genre over time, that the writing and style has changed. In what ways would you say that it has changed? Do you think this has any effect on how the genre is perceived?
ReplyDeleteWhat do you think about this genre allows it to be so far reaching and diverse? I think it's so interesting that you were able to find such contrast within your research, and that that was an enjoyable experience for you. This subgenre has the ability to take so many forms, which I think sets it apart from the seemingly more rigid structures of other genres. If you could point to one aspect of spiritual autobiographies, what would it be that allows the subgenre to be so expansive and has permitted it to persist into the modern day?
ReplyDeleteAre there any spiritual autobiographies that include other religions outside of Christianity? Is there any particular reason why one spiritual autobiography may be more well-received or acclaimed than another?
ReplyDelete