Tag Archives: Brothers Karamazov

Ukraine: What Would Leo and Fyodor Do?

Dostoevsky and Tolstoy’s novels work as indictments of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Posted in Uncategorized | Also tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Comments closed

The Stone Is Rolled–I’m Whole, I’m Held

Note: If you wish to receive, via e-mail, (1) my weekly newsletter or (2) daily copies of these posts, notify me at [email protected] and indicate which you would like. I promise not to share your e-mail address with anyone. To unsubscribe, send me a follow-up email. Spiritual Sunday The story of doubting Thomas is fertile ground for […]

Posted in Uncategorized | Also tagged , , , , | Comments closed

Just How Dangerous Is Fiction?

Peter Brooks’s new book, “Seduced by Story,” raises the issue of fiction’s role in horrors.

Posted in Uncategorized | Also tagged , , , , , | Comments closed

Literature’s Unique Spiritual Insights

An extended reflection upon the relationship between religion and literature.

Posted in Uncategorized | Also tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments closed

Is Loving Our Neighbor Asking Too Much?

Spiritual Sunday This past week, I attended a special Bible study session on the Good Samaritan parable where Sewanee’s Rev. Amy Lamborn emphasized just how radical God’s second great commandment is. Jesus tells the story in such a way, she pointed out, that call out his audiences prejudices. At a time when we are turning […]

Posted in Uncategorized | Also tagged , , , , | Comments closed

Does Sade Explain Trumpism?

Thursday A recent reflection about Trump and Trumpism by Editorial Board’s John Stoehr has me thinking of the Marquis de Sade and Fyodor Dostoevsky. To understand the president and his devoted followers, Stoehr says, try sadism. Stoehr is initially puzzled that people like Trump don’t want power in order to enact policy. He comes to […]

Posted in Uncategorized | Also tagged , , , , | Comments closed

Come, Holy Spirit

Pentecost Sunday Nobel Prize-winning Polish poet Czeslaw Milosz uses the occasion of Pentecost to explore the nature of faith in his poem “Veni Creator.” Although the apostles may have been filled with the Holy Spirit, what about those of us who don’t experience tongues of flame? Here’s Luke’s description of moment (Acts 2:1-4): When the […]

Posted in Uncategorized | Also tagged , , , , , , , | Comments closed

When Fiction Trumps Truth

Wednesday Writing last week for the New York Times’ “What Is Power?” series, Israeli historian Yuval Noah Harari argued that fiction is a more powerful force than truth in politics. I extend the discussion to literature (which Harari does not discuss) because of its reliance upon fabrication in the service of a higher understanding. Camus, […]

Posted in Uncategorized | Also tagged , , , , , , , | Comments closed

Does the GOP Love Big Brother?

Do Congressional Republicans flatter Trump Goneril-like out of convenience or do they “love Big Brother”? Dostoevsky’s Grand Inquisitor may hold the key.

Posted in Uncategorized | Also tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Comments closed