Spiritual Preparation, Workshop 3: Margaret Fuller, in the What Moves Us Program
Read the Margaret Fuller entry on the Dictionary of Unitarian and Universalist Biography website for an overview of her life. As you read, keep in mind that this theological workshop treats her tract, Woman in the Nineteenth Century, as a human rights document for the liberation of men as well as women. Also keep in mind that Fuller's faith was liberal religion with neither creeds nor doctrinal claims.
Read Leader Resource 1, At Concord with the Emersons, and, reflect on some or all of the questions provided here. Look for connections among Fuller's beliefs about feelings, liberal faith, thought and action. You may wish to write your responses in your theology journal.
- Fuller says she and Emerson ("Waldo") interchanged facts "but no conversation." According to Fuller, what is the difference between talking about facts with someone and having a conversation?
- Fuller says that in silence, she and Emerson can "see things together." What does it mean to see something together with someone else? Why does she consider this intimate?
- Fuller says that "the beauty [of nature] does not stimulate me to ask why." Why does she feel that her existence is "filled out" by nature? How does nature speak the "word that is in her heart"? What is the difference between a "god of love" and a "god of truth" for Fuller? Do you make this kind of distinction in your own faith? If so, why? If not, why not?
- When Fuller claims that Ellery Channing, her brother-in-law, is "too ideal," and notes that "Ideal people (always) anticipate their lives, and they make themselves and everybody around them restless, by always being before hand with themselves," what does Fuller mean? Do you agree with her? Explain.
- Fuller declares "A path has been appointed me." Has a pathway been appointed you? How do you know this?
- Fuller notes that Emerson has little patience with "mere life." Why does she praise and celebrate "mere life"? Do you? Explain.
- Summarize the difference in attitude toward marriage between Emerson and Fuller. With whom do you more agree and why?
- Fuller says, "What is done here at home in my heart is my religion." What does she mean? Where do you locate your religion? In your head, heart, ... ?
- Fuller says "Nothing makes me so anti-Christian, & so anti-marriage as these talks with L[idian], Emerson's wife]. How does Lidian provoke Fuller in this way?
- Fuller acknowledges her wish to live in the red room and have Emerson to read poems to her. Were you surprised by this wish? Explain.
Read the story "Margaret Fuller's Mystical Experience." Think about:
- What elements of her story resonate for you, challenge you, or trouble you?
- Have you ever had what you might describe as a mystical experience?
You may wish to write your responses to in your theology journal.
Before leading this workshop, review Workshop 1, Leader Resource 1, Accessibility Guidelines for Workshop Presenters.
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Last updated on Friday, December 9, 2011.
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