Friday, October 24th
A lot has happened this week. Along with learning from Dr. Donald Williams, we have been learning from each other in different areas. From creating “midrash” art projects for Monday night’s class, week-long volleyball tournaments, and acting out Romeo and Juliet, we have been seeking out truth in all we do, and the fun we have while doing it is merely a bonus.
Dr. Williams has been the visiting scholar here this week. He has discussed topics such as literary theology, western thought, deconstructionism, and hermeneutics, all within the context of Philology. Monday morning he introduced us to the principles that pertain to the obedience of a disciple within the context of deliberate study. We are commanded to have careful and thoughtful engagement with the scripture. There are two things we know about human nature:
- We are created in the image of God
- We are corrupt and fallen, and incapable of receiving the things of the spirit.
Seldom does the Christian intellectual take into to account both viewpoints. We are not capable of understanding the things of God with our feeble minds. However, scripture says that we are made capable of understanding the things of God when Christ is inside of us(1 Cor. 2:15) It is in our new understanding of the scripture that we find our imperative value and identity within Christ, and that is to be a disciple. A disciple is one who learns by imitating his master. We are commanded to make disciples in Matthew 28:19-20. However, in order to make disciples, one must first be one. I believe that in the formation of our own selves, study becomes a leading issue. Dr. Williams set out several outlines for us to follow in our study time here, as well as when we return to our homes. He has encouraged us in our literary endeavors by introducing us to several different authors, and sparking in us a new love for some books that we would have otherwise disregarded as meaningless or unimportant.
With the aide of Dr. Williams, I have formulated a list of books to read and finish in the coming years. I also believe I am reading differently than before I came here. It is not just about finishing a book, but rather comprehending it and applying it . “A book is your elder; you must pay it honor, approach it without pride, read it without prejudice, bear with its faults, and seek grain in the chaff.” –The Intellectual Life pg.151
Much has been said about poetry in the preceding weeks, and this week was no exception. We managed to avoid the topic for the first couple days of the week, until Wednesday when we jumped into Walsworth; his definition of poetry, and his controversial poem Ars Poetica. Controversial in the sense that Dr. Bauman had discussed this poem several weeks ago, and disregarded it as foolish and incomprehensible. Dr. Williams’ differing views caused many perplexed reactions when he deemed the poem to be a meaningful expression of emotion, capable of recreating experience through imagery. This was not the only issue where they differed in opinions, but I will leave those areas alone for now.
Perhaps you should read the poem and come to your own conclusion, as I am still rather indecisive in regard to some of the implications that Ars Poetica seems to indicate.
On the subject of poetry, we discussed Edmond Spenser’s The Faerie Queene, as well as different aspects of Paradise Lost. The Faerie Queen is the longest poem in the English language, yet it is still incomplete. Spencer had intended to write 24 books, but only completed six in his lifetime. In those six books, he introduced the morality level in humans, and their search for sanctification, which was a subject that had not been talked about much during his time.
Our continuation of Paradise Lost brought us to the Three Pillars of Satan’s Philosophy that are discernible throughout the text. We tackled questions such as Did satan commit the unforgivable sin? and Could he(satan) ever be restored if he were to repent? There is still more to be discussed regarding John Milton, he will continue to be our main focus in English Literature for the coming weeks.
Volleyball Team - The Lurching Mochillas
