I love the idea of beauty connecting us to truth, to deeper reality. Not something lovely or pretty but something horribly more solid than we've been aware of. (I'm guessing JJ was influenced by CS Lewis' short book The Great Divorce?)
I like JJ's take on contraction as proof of truth, rather than invalidation. Indeed, Christians (& cynics perhaps more) often point out the stark contrast between "the old testament God" & "the new testament God". Modern Evangelical Christians, in my experience, view the new testament as a relief from the God of the old testament -- the horridness now resolved by Christ's sacrifice. Indeed, in modern Western culture, we can't imagine a God who isn't tolerant, un-oppressing, & smilingly from a glowing pale face.
But this feels, in larger part, like a taming of God, I'd agree with you.
God slides into our subculture, reclines with us on our couch, shakes his head sadly as we watch unruly protests on TV. Christians even ask, "Have you accepted Christ *into your heart*?" When in reality, the texts & idea that connect us to God reach like roots into things that we can barely survive, let alone contain within "our hearts".
Your words really get me thinking & feeling new things, Michelle. Thank you.
Intricate and compelling as always. I first read Donna Tartt's A Secret History tucked in the San Jaun Mountains of Colorado. I highlighted that quote and posted it to my Instagram. It has stuck with me ever since.
I am fond of the book. I think it is worth reading more so than Tartt's The Goldfinch, which is fantastically still in the middle then an indulgent, haphazard plot toward the end. I have an affinity for the character Bunny---arguably the protagonist, I haven't reread it critically. I'd say it reminds me of Franny and Zooey by J.D. Salinger in some peripheral way, almost gothic.
Stunning essay, Michelle ❤️
I love the idea of beauty connecting us to truth, to deeper reality. Not something lovely or pretty but something horribly more solid than we've been aware of. (I'm guessing JJ was influenced by CS Lewis' short book The Great Divorce?)
I like JJ's take on contraction as proof of truth, rather than invalidation. Indeed, Christians (& cynics perhaps more) often point out the stark contrast between "the old testament God" & "the new testament God". Modern Evangelical Christians, in my experience, view the new testament as a relief from the God of the old testament -- the horridness now resolved by Christ's sacrifice. Indeed, in modern Western culture, we can't imagine a God who isn't tolerant, un-oppressing, & smilingly from a glowing pale face.
But this feels, in larger part, like a taming of God, I'd agree with you.
God slides into our subculture, reclines with us on our couch, shakes his head sadly as we watch unruly protests on TV. Christians even ask, "Have you accepted Christ *into your heart*?" When in reality, the texts & idea that connect us to God reach like roots into things that we can barely survive, let alone contain within "our hearts".
Your words really get me thinking & feeling new things, Michelle. Thank you.
Intricate and compelling as always. I first read Donna Tartt's A Secret History tucked in the San Jaun Mountains of Colorado. I highlighted that quote and posted it to my Instagram. It has stuck with me ever since.
Wow!! I did not even know the source, I ran into the quote in a wonderful serendipitous moment as I was writing this essay :)))
Did you like it? The Tartt book?
I am fond of the book. I think it is worth reading more so than Tartt's The Goldfinch, which is fantastically still in the middle then an indulgent, haphazard plot toward the end. I have an affinity for the character Bunny---arguably the protagonist, I haven't reread it critically. I'd say it reminds me of Franny and Zooey by J.D. Salinger in some peripheral way, almost gothic.
Ah, that’s a wonderful description. I had forgotten this was THE Tartt of the Goldfinch… Thank you!!!
I’m sold :))) utterly!