Rags of Light

Leonard Cohen and the Landscape of Biblical Imagination

Author: Brian J. Walsh and J. Richard Middleton Series: Short Theological Engagements with Popular Music

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Description

Creatively bringing the songs, prayers, and poetry of Leonard Cohen into conversation with Scripture, this book deeply grounds Cohen's work in the landscape of the biblical imagination, paying special attention to Jesus together with the prophetic and priestly voices of Scripture. What emerges is a compellingly lyrical work of theology that deepens our understanding of both Cohen and biblical faith. Leonard Cohen has undoubtedly been a liturgist for our time, a cantor singing for all those clothed in rags of light, a prophet in the ruins, and a priest who greets us "from the other side of sorrow and despair."

Critic Reviews

"Owing to his own familiarity with the biblical landscape as a Christian pastor, Brian Walsh ably shows that Cohen is best understood not as a secular saint, but as a post-secular poet who spoke both prophetic and priestly truths. The many Cohen fans who are also people of faith or spiritual seekers will find much to enjoy in this book."
--Christian Raab, OSB, associate professor of theology, Saint Meinrad Seminary

"Brian Walsh knows that the highest order of interpretation is responsive making. In Rags of Light, Walsh not only recognizes and argues for Leonard Cohen's prophetic and priestly role, but makes Cohen's music a usable liturgy--one profoundly helpful in our cultural moment. I emerge from its pages in song and prayer--ready to make my way through a landscape of both wonder and ruin--and not unaccompanied."
--Tiffany Eberle Kriner, associate professor of English, Wheaton College

About the Author

Brian J. Walsh is a theologian, farmer, and award-winning writer. He is the author of Kicking at the Darkness: Bruce Cockburn and the Christian Imagination (2011).