ABSTRACT
Simone Weil devoted her early writings to politics and philosophy, and she was especially captivated by Greek philosophers and poets. But she is best known for her later spiritual writings, which document her passionate engagement with Catholicism. The field of literature education has been in a years-long process of retraining its focus on literary approaches that advance action-in-the-world. Progressive projects under the umbrella of social justice, such as anti-racist pedagogy, students’ right to their own languages, gender equality, normalization of sexual and gender diversity, and more have captured English teachers’ imaginations and fill the pages of journals aiming to inspire English teachers. In the Christian mystical tradition, fortunately, working toward social justice or social activism operates in concert with contemplation and contemplative practice as distinct modes of connecting with the Divine. A more mystically attuned practice of recitation or memorization might feel more like spiritual retreat than class session.
