An in-depth philosophical study of the life-affirming theology that animates the work of Marilynne Robinson, from Gilead to her non-fiction work.

In her five novels and many essays, Marilynne Robinson develops a distinctive Christian vision animated by a powerfully affirmative and sacramental attitude toward the physical world and everyday human life. An in-depth philosophical exploration of her work – from Gilead to her extensive non-fiction writing – Marilynne Robinson’s Worldly Gospel reads the author’s theology as articulating a compelling response to the claim that Christianity is an otherworldly religion whose adherents seek through it to escape the misfortunes of this life. Ryan Kemp and Jordan Rodgers argue that Robinson’s work challenges the modern atheistic tradition dating back to Friedrich Nietzsche to present a unique form of contemporary faith that seeks to affirm the world rather than deny its claims.

"Both engaging and illuminating, this book adds richness and reality to the most spiritually challenging philosophical questions of our times. It gives life to the possibility that the old quarrel between philosophy and poetry may be, after all, a quarrel between lovers." - Vida Yao, Assistant Professor of Philosophy, Rice University, USA

"[T]he authors succeed in elucidating in Robinson’s work a form of life-affirmation that is valid and real on its own terms, if not on Nietzsche’s. It is a valuable and recommended contribution to Robinson studies and to the study of Christianity and literature more broadly." - The Glass