Simone Weil and the Suffering of Love

Simone Weil is one of the few spiritual thinkers to give an adequate account for the place of suffering in our world. We traditionally view suffering as that which thwarts our most profound longings and happiness. Simon Weil insists that suffering is not a problem to overcome. Suffering, as it arises in the sacrifices of divine and human love is a fact of life, neither to be rejected nor invited, but also something that can shape human life by opening itself to the divine love.

Here again is Springsted's comprehensive treatment of Simone Weil's religious insights, unique is her understanding of the scientific modern age without cynicism, meanwhile embracing much of traditional Christian spirituality without naïveté. In her unusual approach that is new and yet draws on ancient thought, Weil supports a radical theology, insisting that the oppressed-with whom she identified-are not assisted by a transfer of power, but they must, like those in power, view suffering as a way of overcoming the human perchant for self-centeredness, and as a way of drawing closer to the world in love and as a whole.

Simone Weil is one of the few spiritual thinkers to give an adequate account for the place of suffering in our world. We traditionally view suffering as that which thwarts our most profound longings and happiness. Simon Weil insists that suffering is not a problem to overcome. Suffering, as it arises in the sacrifices of divine and human love is a fact of life, neither to be rejected nor invited, but also something that can shape human life by opening itself to the divine love.

Here again is Springsted's comprehensive treatment of Simone Weil's religious insights, unique is her understanding of the scientific modern age without cynicism, meanwhile embracing much of traditional Christian spirituality without naïveté. In her unusual approach that is new and yet draws on ancient thought, Weil supports a radical theology, insisting that the oppressed-with whom she identified-are not assisted by a transfer of power, but they must, like those in power, view suffering as a way of overcoming the human perchant for self-centeredness, and as a way of drawing closer to the world in love and as a whole.

Co-founder of the American Weil Society in 1980, and its President since then, Eric O. Springsted is the author and editor of six books and numerous articles on Simone Weil, which have appeared in half a dozen languages. He is also author and editor of several other books in philosophy and theology. He has taught at Illinois College, Princeton Theological Seminary and General Theological Seminary, and has been a resident member of the Center of Theological Inquiry in Princeton several times.