Muted Cry

Affliction lurks in the shadows all around us. It renders the afflicted inarticulate and tempts those around them to turn away. Muted Cry is a unique and compelling hybrid of frank memoir and philosophical reflection. Caroline J. Simon, an accomplished philosopher, fearlessly interrogates her sometimes thorny relationship with her brother, his affliction, and their shared family history, while also engaging French philosopher Simone Weil’s life and thought. By telling a specific story with universal relevance, Simon provides an accessible and engaging window into the philosophy of one of the twentieth century’s most distinctive voices.

Affliction is a complex form of suffering that uproots a life by damaging a person physically, psychologically, socially, and spiritually. It overwhelms the sufferer and baffles those around them. Yet Simone Weil compellingly describes how understanding affliction opens our eyes to deep truths about Christ, our humanity, and Christian faithfulness in God’s precious, broken creation. In grappling with the impact of affliction on her brother’s life, Simon illuminates the paradoxical nature of affliction and illustrates the meaning and cost of truly paying attention to the afflicted. With questions for reflection and group discussion, as well as recommendations for further reading, Muted Cry is a valuable resource for both educational use and private reading.

Author Biography

Philosopher Caroline J. Simon has published five books and scores of book chapters and articles. Her books Bringing Sex into Focus: The Quest for Sexual Integrity and The Disciplined Heart: Love, Destiny, and Imagination grapple with aspects of human affection. Her other work explores topics at the intersection of philosophy, literature, and theology, as well as a wide range of ethical and higher-education issues.