Embracing Desire

In this book, Louis Roy criticizes two different attitudes concerning our desires: either we are wary of our desires because of their potentially negative effects, or we try to satisfy as many of them as we can. Both attitudes focus on desires without examining the issue of desire. The solution is neither to suspect nor to multiply our various desires, but rather to intensify desire. Once desire has intensified, we can accept our desires and identify some of them as priorities for us to fulfill. We will then proceed not only with motivation but also with detachment, and therein lies the key to happiness.
Any human being wishes to be granted personal value as a unique individual worthy of respect. And we long to be desired by the person or persons we desire. Moreover, because of our infinitude, we are able to wonder if an infinite being, whom we respect without reserve, can find us desirable. The author explores this basic concern and describes the relationship of mutual desire between Jesus and his first disciples.
Thus, this book will appeal to educated readers interested in spirituality, psychology, literature, catechesis, and pastoral ministry.


""Embracing Desire is a probing exploration of desire and its central role in the human search for meaning, fulfillment, liberation, and love. This book will stretch the thinking of theologians and inspire creative new approaches to spiritual accompaniment.""
--Patrick R. Manning, Seton Hall University

""Professor Roy has provided a readable and insightful account that enables the reader to identify and discern the positive and negative aspects of desire.""
--John Dadosky, Regis College, Toronto


Louis Roy, a member of the Dominican Order, formerly full professor at Boston College, teaches in Ottawa at the Dominican University College. A former visiting professor at University of San Francisco, Aquinas Institute, and Seton Hall University, he has published books in English, French, Spanish, and Vietnamese. Recent publications include Engaging the Thought of Bernard Lonergan (2016); The Three Dynamisms of Faith (2017); and Coherent Christianity (Wipf & Stock, 2018).