THE TRANSFORMATIVE POWER OF STORY

Our modern culture places a high value on non-fiction, deeming it to be the “reality” while largely minimizing or dismissing the rich source of meaning that can be found in fiction, myth, and parables.  Through a psycho-spiritual lens, we will explore how the human psyche can experience significant growth through deep interaction with certain forms of fiction that reflect symbolic and archetypal realities; through a literary lens, we will explore the many activities that fall under the one term “reading” and their effects on the mind and spirit, emphasizing, in particular, the role of the fiction novel on individuals and culture.  Can a return to the primacy of fiction and its revelation of the transcendent return the culture to wholeness?

Presenters: Mary Kauffman, Obl.OSB & Michael Mullard, Obl.OSB; Ph.D.

MARY KAUFFMAN is an oblate of Valyermo.  She has an MA in English and has taught ESL, various levels of English and writing, and literature courses at several colleges in the Los Angeles and Orange County areas.  Now retired, she enjoys sharing her love of reading and writing through participation in different reading and literary groups, particularly those with an emphasis  on discovering the transcendent and increasing our Christian awareness through exploration of the written word.

MICHAEL MULLARD is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, emphasizing depth psychology.  He has been an Oblate of New Camaldoli Hermitage since 2004 and has been hanging out with Benedictines since 1980.  He lives in Southern California.

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