Christian Wiman is an American poet, essayist, and translator, best known for his thought-provoking and deeply personal works that explore the intersections of faith, poetry, and mortality. Born on November 27, 1966, in West Texas, Wiman developed a strong interest in literature and poetry from an early age. He went on to study at Washington and Lee University, where he earned his Bachelor's degree, and later received his Master's degree from Northwestern University.
Academic Career and Yale
Wiman’s academic career is marked by his appointment as the Editor of Poetry magazine, a position he held from 2003 to 2013. During his tenure, he played a significant role in shaping the literary landscape, introducing readers to new and established poets, and exploring the boundaries of poetry and its relationship to other art forms. In 2013, Wiman joined the faculty at Yale University’s Institute of Sacred Music, where he serves as a Professor of the Practice of Religion and Literature. His teaching focuses on the intersection of poetry, faith, and culture, and he has taught courses on topics such as “Poetry and Theology” and “The Literature of Mortality.”
Literary Contributions
Wiman’s literary contributions are characterized by their lyricism, depth, and nuance. His poetry collections, including “The Long Home” (1998), “Hard Night” (2005), and “Every Riven Thing” (2010), have received critical acclaim for their exploration of themes such as faith, doubt, love, and mortality. His essays, collected in “Ambition and Survival: Becoming a Poet” (2007) and “My Bright Abyss: Meditation of a Modern Believer” (2013), offer insightful reflections on the writing life, the role of poetry in contemporary culture, and the complexities of faith and doubt.
| Publication | Year |
|---|---|
| The Long Home | 1998 |
| Hard Night | 2005 |
| Every Riven Thing | 2010 |
| Ambition and Survival: Becoming a Poet | 2007 |
| My Bright Abyss: Meditation of a Modern Believer | 2013 |
At Yale, Wiman has been instrumental in shaping the curriculum and programming at the Institute of Sacred Music, where he has taught courses on poetry, theology, and literature. His presence on campus has also facilitated collaborations between the Institute and other departments, fostering a more interdisciplinary approach to the study of poetry and faith. Wiman's own research and writing have benefited from his time at Yale, where he has been able to engage with a diverse community of scholars, poets, and theologians.
Research Interests
Wiman’s research interests include the intersection of poetry and theology, the role of faith in contemporary culture, and the literary history of American poetry. He is particularly interested in exploring the ways in which poetry can be a means of theological reflection and spiritual exploration, and his own work often grapples with the complexities of faith and doubt in a postmodern world. Wiman has also written extensively on the lives and works of other poets, including George Herbert, Thomas Merton, and Wendell Berry.
- Poetry and theology
- Faith in contemporary culture
- Literary history of American poetry
- The lives and works of George Herbert, Thomas Merton, and Wendell Berry
What is Christian Wiman’s approach to teaching poetry and theology?
+Christian Wiman’s approach to teaching poetry and theology is characterized by his emphasis on the intersections between these two disciplines. He encourages students to explore the ways in which poetry can be a means of theological reflection and spiritual exploration, and to think deeply about the role of faith in contemporary culture.
What are some of Christian Wiman’s notable publications?
+Some of Christian Wiman’s notable publications include his poetry collections, such as “The Long Home” and “Every Riven Thing”, as well as his essay collections, including “Ambition and Survival: Becoming a Poet” and “My Bright Abyss: Meditation of a Modern Believer”.
