Endangered bliss: Reflections on joy and religion

This essay begins with the observation that experiences of intense joy are increasingly absent from the religious lives of many Americans. Examination of the linguistic history of the words "bliss" and "bless" suggests the origins and implications of this loss of joy. A case is m...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of religion and health
Main Author: Van Ness, Peter H. 1953- (Author)
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
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Published: Springer Science + Business Media B. V. [1996]
In: Journal of religion and health
Further subjects:B Christian Life
B Linguistic History
B Religious Life
B Discipline Behavior
Online Access: Volltext (Resolving-System)
Description
Summary:This essay begins with the observation that experiences of intense joy are increasingly absent from the religious lives of many Americans. Examination of the linguistic history of the words "bliss" and "bless" suggests the origins and implications of this loss of joy. A case is made that bliss is crucial to vital Christian life, so long as it occurs in the context of disciplined behavior productive of moral and aesthetic value.
ISSN:1573-6571
Contains:Enthalten in: Journal of religion and health
Persistent identifiers:DOI: 10.1007/BF02354951