Joy, Sehnsucht, the Inconsolable Longing

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The writings of C. S. Lewis played an enormous role in my conversion to Christianity. Especially powerful were his descriptions of his search for what he calls Joy. His discussion thereof in his autobiograph Suprised by Joy woke me to a conscious understanding of this most-significant of innermost longings that has touched every aspect of my life since early childhood.

“Joy” is a difficult concept to properly describe. If you do not already know what I am talking about, it will help to take a look at ic.net/~erasmus/RAZ40.HTM

I would like to know if anyone knows of any other sources that discuss this human experience in depth, whether works of theology, psychology, literature or otherwise. And your personal reflections are welcome. I am not expanding my own thoughts here because I feel inadequate to put them into words, but I would be very interested in what others have to say.
 
Although I do not have a quote for you, G. K. Chesterton dealt with this in his book about St. Francis of Assisi. J. R. R. Tolkien did too in his masterpieces: The Silmarillion and Lord of the Rings. It is central to the thinking of St. Augustine, as well.
 
We enjoy the A Wrinkle in Time series for kids by Madeleine L’Engle. Especially, A Swiftly Tilting Planet which has a few characters that have names pertaining to joy as well!

Ananda = That joy in existence without which the universe will fall apart and collapse
Gaudior = More joyful
 
jpusateri, I’m not sure if you have identified the concept I’m discussing. “Joy” is just Lewis’ shorthand for the experience; it should not be confused with ordinary lower-case-j joy. Follow the link I gave for more.

Della,
Thanks. Yeah, I need to get around to reading Augustine. But I’m really more interested in modern treatments of the subject.
 
Hi Racer, let me rejoice with you in your conversion to Christianity. The story of CS Lewis and his search for Joy has blessed many folks. I was attracted to your post by your use of the German “Sehnsucht=Longing” being a German speaker. There is an English translation of Philip Jakob Spener’s Pia Desideria [Pious Wishes] which talks about the longing of the soul for an experience in the heart of Christ’s love, not just “head-knowledge” of orthodox truths. That might be useful. I love the quote from St. Augustine “Our hearts are restless until they find their rest in Thee [God]”

Glory be to Jesus!
 
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