Wednesday

Yet More Rambling

Wow, I'm greatly tempted to buy this book. "Recently, the catastrophist narrative [about the Reformation] has become more sophisticated and formidable, seeing Luther and the Reformers as setting in motion the patterns of thought and behavior that have led to the moral and political chaos we now see all around us. The latter approach has gained considerable traction over recent years, in part because of the impressive scholarly work of Brad Gregory in his book The Unintended Reformation." Link. Sounds good. On top of that, I'm greatly enjoying Professor Gregory's lecture series, "History of Christianity in the Reformation Era."

Happy All Saints Day. Or as Mr. Costanza might say, "A Festivus for the rest of us!" Of course, it's not really for the rest of us. Maybe for some of you, but I'm afraid I have a long (pitifully long) way to go.

“Calling the saints to mind inspires, or rather arouses in us, above all else, a longing to enjoy their company, so desirable in itself. We long to share in the citizenship of heaven, to dwell with the spirits of the blessed, to join the assembly of patriarchs, the ranks of the prophets, the council of apostles, the great host of martyrs, the noble company of confessors and the choir of virgins. In short, we long to be united in happiness with all the saints. But our dispositions change. The Church of all the first followers of Christ awaits us, but we do nothing about it. The saints want us to be with them, and we are indifferent. The souls of the just await us, and we ignore them.” St. Bernard.

From the "All Cultures are Not Equal, Episode 341,990": "Madagascar plague is spreading because relatives are digging up their Black Death corpses and DANCING as part of ancient Famadihana ritual." Link.