St. Thérèse of Lisieux Nietzsche is My Brother: A Play by Bridget Edman, O.C.D.

by Bridget Edman

The author of this play, Sister Bridget Edman, is a Discalced Carmelite nun whose personal religious quest led her to the Carmelites in South Africa. She entered the Carmelite monastery in Johannesburg, and, when it closed, moved to the monastery in Cape Town. Sister Edman, who is concerned with the problem of faith, which problem is characteristic of modern humans, has written an article on John of the Cross and the Existentialists and another comparing John of the Cross with Kierkegaard. In Nietzsche is My Brother, she compares St. Therese of Lisieux with the philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche.

For some years the mission of evangelization has extended itself to reach those who have usually been beyond the grasp of the Church. It has done so not to proselytize but in a new spirit of listening, of understanding, and of openness. Nietzsche is My Brother, which won first prize in the International Competition for Religious Drama, is filled with this spirit.

Genres: Catholic

98 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[Michael Shurtleff · Rating 3 out of 5]

This play is a powerful juxtaposition of two ways of reacting to the dark night of the soul. I also see undertones comparing the Culture of Death (of which Nietzsche was an architect) with the Culture of Life. There's a lot here! I initially started reading it because of my affinity for Carmelite spirituality; and also to pre-read it to possibly suggest it to the drama teacher at my daughter's Catholic school. Now, I don't know if high school students could pull off a performance, due to the emotional depth of some of the scenes (which requires more life experience than most teenagers have...)

[Giacomo Gubert · Rating 3 out of 5]

TO CLING TO GOD


Bridget Edman wrote: "During eighteen months of the darkest night and lurking, tempting despair, Thérèse clung onto God who remained silent. While so many of great minds of her time gave in in to the despair welling up from within - that despair that is always threatening to choke man and remains his greatest enemy on his way back to God - she managed, by tremendous effort and strength of willpower and mind, to cling onto God in heroic faith without any consolation". This is the meaning of this interesting play.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

was not expecting to like this book yet i found the play compelling...i will actually suggest it to atheists as it will give them something to think about.

[Sasha Wolf · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think I would need to see this on stage for the full effect, but even just reading it was quite moving.