Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: This article argues that the phenomenon of nostalgia (home-sickness or longing for home) is a dangerous and often destructive way of dealing with the past. The first section traces the evolution of nostalgia from a medical disease to a sentimental emotion. After developing a normative definition of nostalgia, the second section proceeds to critique the phenomenon. It also distinguishes nostalgia from some of its unproblematic cousins, such as historical study or lamentation for real loss. The third section draws upon the Parable of the Prodigal Son to develop a positive account of what it means for a Christian to return home again.
Source: Irish Theological Quarterly
Author: Cathleen Kaveny
Institution: Boston College
Language: English
Subfield: Social Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
Funder: Princeton University
OpenAlex ID: W4410806372