Desire and Mental Health in Christianity and the Arts

‘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.