September 16, 2008 7:30 PM
Acedia and Us
“Restless boredom, frantic escapism, commitment phobia, and enervating despair are the ancient demon in modern dress,” says bestselling author and poet Kathleen Norris of the formidable spiritual phenomenon she called acedia. Discovering this word in early Church writings, Norris recognizes the familiar battle with soul-weariness as not only her own but one that has spread invasively throughout society. Norris spoke of her spiritual resurrection detailed in her brilliant new memoir and meditation Acedia and Me: A Marriage, Monks, and a Writer’s Life.