Desire and Mental Health in Christianity and the Arts

This book considers the connection between the world of mental health in the twenty-first century and the traditional concept of desire in Christianity and the Arts. It draws parallels between the desire for rest from anxiety among mental health sufferers with the longing for peace and happiness in Religion and the Arts. The author presents Biblical, philosophical and theological insights alongside artistic ones, arguing that desire for rest remains at the heart of spiritual living as well as mental health recovery. The chapters draw from historical and contemporary voices, including Plato, Augustine of Hippo, Julian of Norwich, Gerard Manley Hopkins, Simone Weil, Samuel Beckett, Tennessee Williams, Jean-Louis Chrétien, Eric Varden and others. The study demonstrates why longing continues to fascinate and grip individuals, creative endeavour and society at large, not least in the development of the understanding of mental health. It is valuable for scholars and advanced students of Christian theology and those interested in spirituality and the arts in particular.

‘A wonderfully lucid and learned study of metaphysical desire within the Christian tradition and the imaginative arts.’ Michael Hurley, Professor of Literature and Theology, Faculty of English, Fellow of Trinity College, University of Cambridge.‘This book offers clearer insights into longing, desire and hunger for God than even William Temple’s celebrated Gifford Lectures on Nature, Man and God ninety years ago. David Torevell complements his own earlier work on worship with deep appreciation of the arts, especially by revealing himself as an accomplished film critic, and applies it all to the welcome contemporary appreciation of the importance of mental health.’ Professor Simon Lee, Chair of the William Temple Foundation. ‘David Torevell has previously written beautifully on the ways in which liturgy and various art forms transmit whispers or echoes from another world. Here he explores the human phenomenon of desire and, like C.S. Lewis before him, intimates that it too points behind itself. In a world that is more conscious than ever of the importance of mental health, it is significant that the author indicates that the joy we all seek is a by-product of seeking to bringing joy to others.’ Rev., Dr Paul Rowan, PhL, STD. Assistant Head (Director of Catholic Life and Formation/Director of the Beaulieu Institute for Theological Literacy), Beaulieu Convent School, Jersey. ‘Clarifying the blurred borderlines and complex commonalities that exist between spiritual and physical desire can be a delicate task, but the author handles this fragile topic with empathetic care and attention. References to art and literature support and elucidate the narrative of the text throughout. Dr Ian Percy, Composer. , ‘A wonderfully lucid and learned study of metaphysical desire within the Christian tradition and the imaginative arts.’ Michael Hurley, Professor of Literature and Theology, Faculty of English, Fellow of Trinity College, University of Cambridge.‘This book offers clearer insights into longing, desire and hunger for God than even William Temple’s celebrated Gifford Lectures on Nature, Man and God ninety years ago. David Torevell complements his own earlier work on worship with deep appreciation of the arts, especially by revealing himself as an accomplished film critic, and applies it all to the welcome contemporary appreciation of the importance of mental health.’ Professor Simon Lee, Chair of the William Temple Foundation. ‘David Torevell has previously written beautifully on the ways in which liturgy and various art forms transmit whispers or echoes from another world. Here he explores the human phenomenon of desire and, like C.S. Lewis before him, intimates that it too points beyond itself. In a world that is more conscious than ever of the importance of mental health, it is significant that the author indicates that the joy we all seek is a by-product of seeking to bring joy to others.’ Rev., Dr Paul Rowan, PhL, STD. Assistant Head (Director of Catholic Life and Formation/Director of the Beaulieu Institute for Theological Literacy), Beaulieu Convent School, Jersey. ‘Clarifying the blurred borderlines and complex commonalities that exist between spiritual and physical desire can be a delicate task, but the author handles this fragile topic with empathetic care and attention. References to art and literature support and elucidate the narrative of the text throughout. Dr Ian Percy, Composer.

David Torevell is Honorary Senior Research Fellow at Liverpool Hope University, UK and Visiting Professor at Mary Immaculate College, University of Limerick, Ireland.