The Spirit of Matter: Modernity, Religion, and the Power of Objects

The Spirit of Matter explores how powerful objects can evoke emotional responses and challenge our understanding of the material world. It demonstrates how this mindset has been shaped by Protestant Christian influences and secularized throughout modern and colonial history.

Format: Hardback
Length: 388 pages
Publication date: 14 July 2023
Publisher: Berghahn Books

A diverse array of significant artifacts, encompassing exhibits of human remains or live individuals, fetishes, objects from Catholic museums, exotic photographs, commodities, and computers, serve as poignant manifestations of a subordinate modern consciousness concerning the power and vitality of these objects. These objects, while capable of stirring profound emotional responses within individuals, often find themselves subjected to the dismissive belief of modern wishful thinking, which posits the supremacy of the mind over the physical realm.

The Spirit of Matter delves into the exploration of these enigmatic objects, shedding light on their ability to evoke deep emotional connections while simultaneously challenging the prevailing notion of their mere physical existence. It traces the origins of this mindset back to Protestant Christian influences, which, during the course of modern and colonial history, underwent secularization.

Through a comprehensive examination of these diverse artifacts, The Spirit of Matter offers a thought-provoking exploration of the complex interplay between modern consciousness, materiality, and the enduring influence of religious beliefs on our perception of the world. It challenges us to reevaluate our assumptions about the nature of objects and their significance in shaping our emotional and intellectual experiences.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781805390145