Speaking to Body and Soul

Instructions for the Moravian Choir Helpers, 1785–1786

Nonfiction, History, Modern, 18th Century, Americas, United States, Religion & Spirituality, Christianity, Christian Life
Cover of the book Speaking to Body and Soul by Katherine M. Faull, Penn State University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Katherine M. Faull ISBN: 9780271079608
Publisher: Penn State University Press Publication: April 10, 2017
Imprint: Penn State University Press Language: English
Author: Katherine M. Faull
ISBN: 9780271079608
Publisher: Penn State University Press
Publication: April 10, 2017
Imprint: Penn State University Press
Language: English

Dating back to 1785, the Moravian “Instructions for the Choir Helpers” contain detailed advice for the spiritual counselors of the men, women, and children in Moravian congregations on how to address concerns about one’s body and soul. In this volume, Katherine Faull presents an annotated, translated edition of the original German manuscript.

In monthly “speakings”—regularly scheduled dialogues between the choir helper and individual church members to determine whether the congregant could be admitted to communion—men and women received spiritual guidance on topics as varied as the physical manifestations of puberty, sexual attraction, frequency of intercourse, infant care, and bereavement. From their founding in 1722, the Moravians were remarkable for their positive evaluation of the body; they held that the natural manifestations of masculinity and femininity were integral elements of spiritual consciousness. The “Instructions for the Choir Helpers”—which were highly confidential at the time and passed on only by permission of the church administration—reflect that philosophy, providing insights into an interpretation of the body as a holistic system that should be cared for as a vessel for the spirit.

A unique resource for scholars of religious history, gender studies, and colonial American church history, Faull’s translation of this fascinating set of documents provides an unprecedented glimpse into a period of foundational change in Moravian history.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Dating back to 1785, the Moravian “Instructions for the Choir Helpers” contain detailed advice for the spiritual counselors of the men, women, and children in Moravian congregations on how to address concerns about one’s body and soul. In this volume, Katherine Faull presents an annotated, translated edition of the original German manuscript.

In monthly “speakings”—regularly scheduled dialogues between the choir helper and individual church members to determine whether the congregant could be admitted to communion—men and women received spiritual guidance on topics as varied as the physical manifestations of puberty, sexual attraction, frequency of intercourse, infant care, and bereavement. From their founding in 1722, the Moravians were remarkable for their positive evaluation of the body; they held that the natural manifestations of masculinity and femininity were integral elements of spiritual consciousness. The “Instructions for the Choir Helpers”—which were highly confidential at the time and passed on only by permission of the church administration—reflect that philosophy, providing insights into an interpretation of the body as a holistic system that should be cared for as a vessel for the spirit.

A unique resource for scholars of religious history, gender studies, and colonial American church history, Faull’s translation of this fascinating set of documents provides an unprecedented glimpse into a period of foundational change in Moravian history.

More books from Penn State University Press

Cover of the book Trafika Europe by Katherine M. Faull
Cover of the book Without God by Katherine M. Faull
Cover of the book Democratic Professionalism by Katherine M. Faull
Cover of the book A Spiritual Home by Katherine M. Faull
Cover of the book A Saving Science by Katherine M. Faull
Cover of the book Staging Habla de Negros by Katherine M. Faull
Cover of the book Morality and Our Complicated Form of Life by Katherine M. Faull
Cover of the book Graphic Reproduction by Katherine M. Faull
Cover of the book Language and Love by Katherine M. Faull
Cover of the book Challenges for Rural America in the Twenty-First Century by Katherine M. Faull
Cover of the book Warfare and the Miraculous in the Chronicles of the First Crusade by Katherine M. Faull
Cover of the book Feminist Interpretations of Mary Astell by Katherine M. Faull
Cover of the book The Wanton Jesuit and the Wayward Saint by Katherine M. Faull
Cover of the book After Identity by Katherine M. Faull
Cover of the book The Spiritual Vision of Frank Buchman by Katherine M. Faull
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy