Christ in the world of matter: Teilhard De Chardin's religious experience and vision

Pierre Teilhard de Chardin (1881–1955) has, through the wide diffusion and translation of his posthumous works, made a greater impact on postwar religious consciousness than any other theologian. His identity, whether as theologian, scientist, mystic, or philosopher, nevertheless remains contested. This paper highlights the importance of religious experience in forming and unifying his vision of the world. Teilhard is noteworthy as someone who both had religious experiences, and possessed the theological competence and imagination needed to interpret them. The paper begins with an examination of three short accounts of specific religious experiences which Teilhard wrote during October 1916, whilst serving as a stretcher-bearer with the French army in the Verdun region of north-east France. They are included in his collection of writings Hymn of the Universe (42-S4). The implications of these specific experiences for Teilhard’s wider religious vision will then be considered

[Review of] Kris Hiuser, Animals, Theology and the Incarnation

This is the author accepted manuscript. The final version is available from Liverpool University Press via the DOI in this recor