Praeger Christianity, Tragedy, and Holocaust Literature: 41 (Contributions to the Study of Religion: Christianity and the Holocaust―Core Issues)

Identifying elements of the Christian worldview that have influenced our theories of tragedy, Steele demonstrates how these theories fail when applied to Holocaust literature. The challenge of interpreting Holocaust literature is highlighted by a close investigation of the extent to which Christian thought, especially the view of transcendence, has permeated theories of interpretation. The author appeals for a new theory of tragedy which would allow an understanding of Holocaust literature without Christian interpretive biases. This book will be of interest to scholars of Holocaust literature, religion, and literary criticism. Review "A masterful synthesis. . . . A painful, compelling book for all those interested in the Holocaust and in the interpretation of the Holocaust, not simply Holocaust literature."- Marshall M. Lee, Professor of History Pacific University "Michael Steele's eloquently conceived and written book explores the surrounding Christian philosophical milieu in the generations before and the years during the Holocaust. If one wants to understand Auschwitz one must read Elie Wiesel, but if one wants to understand how to read about Auschwitz then Steele's book is a must."-Merritt Linn, author A Book of Songs ?Readable and based on solid scholarship, this is a fine contribution to literature in general and to the evaluation of Holocaust literature specifically.?-National Catholic Reporter "Readable and based on solid scholarship, this is a fine contribution to literature in general and to the evaluation of Holocaust literature specifically."-National Catholic Reporter About the Author MICHAEL R. STEELE is Distinguished Professor of Humanities at Pacific University in Oregon./e He is president of the Oregon Holocaust Resource Center and chair of the Peace and Conflict Studies program at Pacific University. He is the author of Knute Rockne: A Bio-Bibliography (Greenwood, 1983).