A groundbreaking exploration of the transformative power of silence
The Silent God and the Silenced: Mysticism and Contemplation amid Suffering explores the theological and spiritual dimensions of silence, challenging traditional speech/silence dichotomies. Cho investigates the silenced voices of the vulnerable, interweaving Christian mysticism, literature, and art to reveal silence's subversive potential in unlearning dominant narratives. The book advocates a theological approach that seriously considers silence and prioritizes attentive listening to promote genuine accountability. By engaging with figures such as Evagrius Ponticus, Hadewijch of Antwerp, Michel de Certeau, and Simone Weil, alongside contemporary voices like Theresa Hak Kyung Cha and Arundhati Roy, the book offers fresh perspectives on the transformative power of silence in today's turbulent world.
This interdisciplinary exploration will intrigue scholars and enthusiasts of theology, literature, and art. Readers will discover how silence can serve as a counterpoint to the noise and violence of modern life, providing avenues for resisting injustice and fostering contemplative, transformative pathways to spiritual and intellectual growth.
Reviews
"One of the most moving works of theology ever written. Never before have so many textures of silence, from ancient contemplative traditions to diverse experiences of suffering and joy, been so deeply understood. Students of mysticism and those in solidarity with the silenced of the world will love this book."—Andrew L. Prevot, Amaturo Chair in Catholic Studies, senior fellow in the Berkley Center for Religion, Peace, and World Affairs, Georgetown University
"Dr. Cho's masterful and scholarly reflection on silence encompasses the apophatic wisdom of contemplatives as well as the unhealed wound of atrocity. This is an astonishing, wise, learned, and unique witness to silence as a door to the divine and resistance to what harms and destroys human beings."—Wendy Farley, Rice Family Chair of Spirituality, San Francisco Theological Seminary, Graduate School of Theology, Redlands University
"This interdisciplinary book weaves philosophical discourse, religious narratives, and social analysis to demonstrate that mystical and contemplative silence is a site for wrestling with God's silence and the suffering world. Its cross-cultural explication of silence challenges the valorization of voice and speech in theological and political discourses."—Kwok Pui-lan, author, Postcolonial Politics and Theology
"This is a powerful, original, and brave book about the significance of mystical silence for our time. Min-Ah Cho's sensitive reading of the Christian mystical tradition provides the ground for an uncommonly searching examination of silence in everyday life, with particular attention paid to those whose voices are systematically silenced. This is just the kind of critical contemplative thinking we need in this moment."—Douglas E. Christie, professor emeritus of theological studies, Loyola Marymount University
"Through a seamless weaving of philosophy, theology, Christian mystical traditions, and poetry, Cho offers a theology of "silence" grounded in the experiences of marginalized communities. Exquisitely written, The Silent God and the Silenced reveals silence as a mystical everyday practice of justice and inclusion. This book is a must read for anyone training for ministry and spiritual guidance."—Su Yon Pak, vice president of academic affairs and dean, Union Theological Seminary, New York
About the Author
Min-Ah Cho is assistant teaching professor in the Department of Theology and Religious Studies at Georgetown University.
