Title: Prayer in the writings of Jean-Jacques Rousseau /
Authors: Spirn, Charles A.
Publisher: P. Lang,
Year: 2008
Subjects: Rousseau, Jean-Jacques,; Prayer
Abstract: "This book casts a new light on Rousseau's personality and beliefs. Although the predominant thinkers of the time had a deistic outlook (God as distant and impersonal) and stressed rationalism and enlightenment, Rousseau stressed man's moral and spiritual aspects and needs, including praying to a God who listens and may respond. In this book, Charles A. Spirn has collected the prayers Rousseau wrote, which are scattered throughout his writings, thus publishing his acclaimed dissertation. Rousseau's beliefs are shown to be largely theistic, believing in a God who rules the world and has a personal, providential, and responsive relationship with humanity. He is increasingly seen as the most influential French thinker of the 18th century who challenged the great of his day. Both clergymen and lay men turned to him for guidance in spiritual and existential matters."--BOOK JACKET.
Contents: I. Introduction -- II. Deism: Concept of Natural Religion -- III. Rousseau, Liturgical Prayers and Psalms -- IV. "I Wanted to Become a Clergyman" -- V. Early Prayers of Adoration at Les Charmettes - Toward Deism -- VI. Some Experiences with Deist Prayer -- VII. Prayer and Its Definition in La Nouvelle Heloise -- VIII. Prayer and Its Definition in Profession de Foi -- IX. Criticism of Opposition to Petitionary Prayer Rousseau - Theist rather than Deist -- X. Prayer in the Correspondance of Rousseau -- XI. Prayer in Les Confessions -- XII. Prayer in Rousseau Juge de Jean-Jacques Dialogues -- XIII. Conclusion.