The spiral staircase : my climb out of darkness / Karen Armstrong

By: Armstrong, Karen, 1944- [author]
Language: English Publisher: New York ; Toronto : Alfred A. Knopf, [2004]Copyright date: c2004Edition: First editionDescription: xxii, 305 pages ; 23 cmContent type: text Media type: unmediated Carrier type: volumeISBN: 9780375413186; 0375413189Subject(s): Armstrong, Karen, 1944- | Ex-nuns -- Biography | Ex-nunsDDC classification: 200.92 LOC classification: BX4668.3.A75 | A3 2004Online resources: Contributor biographical information | Publisher description
Contents:
Ash Wednesday -- Devil of the stairs -- I renounce the blessèd face -- Consequently I rejoice -- Desiring this man's gift and that man's scope -- Usual reign -- Infirm glory -- To turn again.
Summary: Armstrong begins the story of her spiritual journey with her departure in 1969 from the Roman Catholic convent she had entered seven years before--hoping, but ultimately failing, to find God. She knew almost nothing of the changed world to which she was returning, and she was tormented by panic attacks and inexplicable seizures. Armstrong's struggle against despair was further fueled by a string of discouragements--failed spirituality, doctorate, and jobs; fruitless dealings with psychiatrists. Finally, in 1976, she was diagnosed with epilepsy and given treatment. She then began the writing career that would become her true calling, and as she focused on the sacred texts of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, her own inner story began to emerge. Without realizing it, she was on a spiritual quest, and through it she would eventually experience transcendence--the profound fulfillment that she had not found in long hours of prayer as a young nun.--From publisher description.
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SUBJECT REFERENCE 		200.92 Ar57 2004 (Browse shelf) Available CITU-CL-39208
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Ash Wednesday --
Devil of the stairs --
I renounce the blessèd face --
Consequently I rejoice --
Desiring this man's gift and that man's scope --
Usual reign --
Infirm glory --
To turn again.

Armstrong begins the story of her spiritual journey with her departure in 1969 from the Roman Catholic convent she had entered seven years before--hoping, but ultimately failing, to find God. She knew almost nothing of the changed world to which she was returning, and she was tormented by panic attacks and inexplicable seizures. Armstrong's struggle against despair was further fueled by a string of discouragements--failed spirituality, doctorate, and jobs; fruitless dealings with psychiatrists. Finally, in 1976, she was diagnosed with epilepsy and given treatment. She then began the writing career that would become her true calling, and as she focused on the sacred texts of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, her own inner story began to emerge. Without realizing it, she was on a spiritual quest, and through it she would eventually experience transcendence--the profound fulfillment that she had not found in long hours of prayer as a young nun.--From publisher description.

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