John Runciman, King Lear in the Storm, 1767 Act III of Shakespeare's King Lear gets to me every time. Lear, spectacularly blinded by pride and bereft of power in his old age, having foolishly exiled one daughter and exposed himself to betrayal by the other two, retreats into a storm with his Fool and descends into madness, shaking his fist at nature, railing, “Blow, winds, and crack your cheeks! Rage! Blow!” … [Read more...] about “Your crooked heart”: Literary Study and Spiritual Formation (Scholar’s Call)
w. h. auden
Reading Pagans (and Christians) with Charity
Two weeks ago, James Sire addressed a question from me about learning from artists and writers who have a different world view than my own. In his response, he mentioned Alan Jacobs's A Theology of Reading, which I have been reading and blogging through lately. I'd like to expand a bit on Jim's reference to Jacobs's book with a few examples of charitable reading. Throughout the book, Jacobs offers “interludes,” which are essentially case studies of different styles and methods of reading. “Interlude D: Two Charitable … [Read more...] about Reading Pagans (and Christians) with Charity
How often do you read on a whim?
Today one can take advantage of a free download of Alan Jacobs' "How to Read a Book," a chapter in Liberal Arts For the Christian Life (Edited by Jeffry C. Davis & Philip G. Ryken. Crossway. 2012). Below's the conclusion from which I raise the question, "How often do you read on a whim?" As I draw this essay to a close, let me turn to a matter that, in my mind, is very important indeed —but not nearly as solemn as what we've been talking about over the past few pages. Recalling Auden's warning that masterpieces of … [Read more...] about How often do you read on a whim?
Who are your favorite poets?
Poetry appeals more directly to the whole person than prose does. It stimulates our imaginations, arouses our emotions, feeds our intellects and addresses our wills. Perhaps this is why poetry is the preferred mode of communication of the prophets, whose purpose depends on capturing the attention of the listeners and persuading them their message is urgent. —Tremper Longman III, quoted by Tom Grosh Is there anything better than a good mail day? In yesterday's mail, I received a new pair of glasses, a 2-pack of David … [Read more...] about Who are your favorite poets?
Week in Review: Anxiety Edition
What are you reading, watching, thinking about this week? As usual, here's a few which have been on our mind. Let us know your thoughts on any/all of them. If you have items you'd like us to consider for the top five, add them in the comments or send them to Tom or Mike. 1. Peace is Patriotic: Anabaptists and the National Anthem (By Duane Shank, Sojourners, 3/3/2010): Did you attend a college sporting event where the national anthem of the host country was not played? Goshen College, a residential Christian … [Read more...] about Week in Review: Anxiety Edition