Karen Armstrong begins this spellbinding story of her spiritual journey with her departure in 1969 from the Roman Catholic convent she had entered seven years beforeâhoping, 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.
Armstrongâs struggle against despair was further fueled by a string of discouragementsâfailed spirituality, doctorate, and jobs; fruitless dealings with psychiatrists. Finally, in 1976, she was diagnosed with epilepsy, given proper treatment, and released from her âprivate hell.â 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 had embarked on a spiritual quest, and through it she would eventually experience moments of transcendenceâthe profound fulfillment that she had not found in long hours of prayer as a young nun.
Powerfully engaging, often heartbreaking, but lit with bursts of humor, The Spiral Staircase is an extraordinary history of self.
Categories:
- Biographies & Memoirs
- Community & Culture
- Women
- Community & Culture
Publisher : Knopf
Author : Armstrong, Karen
Language : English
Edition : 1
Published :2004-03-02
Number Of Pages : 336
Binding : hardcover
ISBN-10 : 0375413189
ISBN-13 : 9780375413186
Item weight : 1.2 lb
Dimensions : 1.2 in x 6 in x 8.4 in
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