Teilhard’s Struggle

Overview

“Bathe yourself in the ocean of matter; plunge into it where it is deepest and most violent; struggle in its currents and drink of its waters. “—Pierre Teilhard de Chardin

The Jesuit scientist Pierre Teilhard de Chardin developed a unique understanding of the role of struggle and conflict in evolution—whether in the material or on the spiritual plane. He labored to integrate the insights of evolution with his Catholic faith, and experienced ongoing conflicts with authorities in the church in response to his writings.

Through an expansive study of Teilhard’s letters and biographies, Kathleen Duffy explores the major struggles that he experienced in his roles as scientist, priest, mystic, friend, and member of the church.

Kathleen Duffy, a Sister of St. Joseph, holds a PhD in molecular physics from Drexel University. A professor of physics at Chestnut Hill College in Philadelphia, she is the author of Rediscovering Teilhard’s Fire (St. Joseph’s University Press) and Teilhard’s Mysticism (Orbis).