I wonder what effect Jordan Peterson's recent video "Message to Christian Churches" will have in tempting young men to back into pews. As he starkly says in anticipation of naysayers among them "what else have you got?". It's a great question.
In the midst of this fervor, Parliament passed the Poor Law, which sought to discriminate between the “deserving” and “undeserving” poor, and Victorians made a useful distinction between “sympathy” and “compassion.” Sympathy is fellow feeling, moving with another person. Compassion is feeling for the sorrow of another. “In its sentimental mode,” Himmelfarb wrote, “compassion is an exercise in moral indignation, in feeling good rather than doing good; this mode recognizes no principle of proportion, because, feeling, unlike reason, knows no proportion, no limit, no respect for the constraints of policy or prudence.”
I was underwhelmed by the several articles discussing conversion to Catholicism. This sort of writing seems to pop up every few years among young urbanites wanting to be "different, just like everyone else."
It's fine if Niall Gooch wants to say that Catholicism is a "demanding way of life," thereby heroicising himself, so to speak, but I wish he had been more specific as to the "demands" he perceives. Going to church once a week and sometimes on a weekday? Not killing, stealing, or committing adultery? Loving other people, including your enemies?
The latter, I admit, can be difficult. Forgiving and continuing to love people who have really hurt you is harder than choosing a few more rules to follow and rituals to enact.
Have a wonderful time in Spain. I think it's both overrated and underrated. My favorite part would be Granada, a magical blend of Catholic Europe and Moorish North Africa. And speaking of Catholicism, the Spanish produced a peculiar form of Catholicism in the 16th and 17th century that was near horrifying, which is easily seen in their great art.
But I do understand why there may be a reviving interest in Catholicism. The sense of structure and order and history and rigid (comparatively, these days) theology is attractive in these anything goes days. Wokery has introduced a new tide of moralizing that is deeply unsatisfying. The Church, at least, promises to forgive you. The Wokes condemn you to Hell in perpetuity.
As for kindness, I'm reminded of my favorite Terry Pratchett character, Granny Weatherwax, who once bluntly said, "if it's personal, it ain't important." Something worth remembering every day, and which I do tell myself.
There is something to be said about experiencing a place during its most famous or iconic weather and the summer heat of Granada will certainly give you a that.
A lot of great tapas in Granada, which is where the tradition started. We can vouch for Avila Tapas, C. San Isidro, 11. When we were there in 2019 the tapas came free with the drinks, including a hefty platter of roast pork. At first we thought it must have been a mistake but the bar staff assured us no, no, it was on the house. And the rose wines were always enjoyable and good value. And wherever you go, eat plenty of gazpacho.
While Granada is famous for the Alhambra, justifiably so, there are also some wonderful Spanish baroque churches and monasteries. Monasterio de San Jerónimo and Basílica de San Juan de Dios are both worth a visit. Spanish baroque married with the intensity of the Spanish Catholicism of the time produced something that is distinctly un Protestant and a world away from the English parish church and cathedrals that it might as well be a different faith altogether. We also arrived at the Basilica just in time to see the conclusion of a rather grand wedding because not only the bride but quite a few of the very smartly dressed women wore beautiful mantillas.
When you write that 16th century Spanish Catholicism was "near horrifying" are you referring to the Inquisition and the attendant religious intolerance?
Haha Konstatin Kisin -- I actually watched the Triggernometry installment with you on it Ed a couple days ago. Their deadpan reactions to your blackpilling were hilarious.
I wonder what effect Jordan Peterson's recent video "Message to Christian Churches" will have in tempting young men to back into pews. As he starkly says in anticipation of naysayers among them "what else have you got?". It's a great question.
In the midst of this fervor, Parliament passed the Poor Law, which sought to discriminate between the “deserving” and “undeserving” poor, and Victorians made a useful distinction between “sympathy” and “compassion.” Sympathy is fellow feeling, moving with another person. Compassion is feeling for the sorrow of another. “In its sentimental mode,” Himmelfarb wrote, “compassion is an exercise in moral indignation, in feeling good rather than doing good; this mode recognizes no principle of proportion, because, feeling, unlike reason, knows no proportion, no limit, no respect for the constraints of policy or prudence.”
Gertrude Himmelfarb
I was underwhelmed by the several articles discussing conversion to Catholicism. This sort of writing seems to pop up every few years among young urbanites wanting to be "different, just like everyone else."
It's fine if Niall Gooch wants to say that Catholicism is a "demanding way of life," thereby heroicising himself, so to speak, but I wish he had been more specific as to the "demands" he perceives. Going to church once a week and sometimes on a weekday? Not killing, stealing, or committing adultery? Loving other people, including your enemies?
The latter, I admit, can be difficult. Forgiving and continuing to love people who have really hurt you is harder than choosing a few more rules to follow and rituals to enact.
Have a wonderful time in Spain. I think it's both overrated and underrated. My favorite part would be Granada, a magical blend of Catholic Europe and Moorish North Africa. And speaking of Catholicism, the Spanish produced a peculiar form of Catholicism in the 16th and 17th century that was near horrifying, which is easily seen in their great art.
But I do understand why there may be a reviving interest in Catholicism. The sense of structure and order and history and rigid (comparatively, these days) theology is attractive in these anything goes days. Wokery has introduced a new tide of moralizing that is deeply unsatisfying. The Church, at least, promises to forgive you. The Wokes condemn you to Hell in perpetuity.
As for kindness, I'm reminded of my favorite Terry Pratchett character, Granny Weatherwax, who once bluntly said, "if it's personal, it ain't important." Something worth remembering every day, and which I do tell myself.
we're staying in Granada for a few days. I went a few years back but will be fun to be there in 45 degree heat with three children!
I always find that once I've seen one of these old cities I really want to see another. they're very... Moorish.
I'll get my coat
I laughed!
There is something to be said about experiencing a place during its most famous or iconic weather and the summer heat of Granada will certainly give you a that.
A lot of great tapas in Granada, which is where the tradition started. We can vouch for Avila Tapas, C. San Isidro, 11. When we were there in 2019 the tapas came free with the drinks, including a hefty platter of roast pork. At first we thought it must have been a mistake but the bar staff assured us no, no, it was on the house. And the rose wines were always enjoyable and good value. And wherever you go, eat plenty of gazpacho.
While Granada is famous for the Alhambra, justifiably so, there are also some wonderful Spanish baroque churches and monasteries. Monasterio de San Jerónimo and Basílica de San Juan de Dios are both worth a visit. Spanish baroque married with the intensity of the Spanish Catholicism of the time produced something that is distinctly un Protestant and a world away from the English parish church and cathedrals that it might as well be a different faith altogether. We also arrived at the Basilica just in time to see the conclusion of a rather grand wedding because not only the bride but quite a few of the very smartly dressed women wore beautiful mantillas.
thanks! Ill check it out
Ah, very witty... you should be a writer, Ed.
When you write that 16th century Spanish Catholicism was "near horrifying" are you referring to the Inquisition and the attendant religious intolerance?
Very interesting pieces in The Spectator and The Critic.
Haha Konstatin Kisin -- I actually watched the Triggernometry installment with you on it Ed a couple days ago. Their deadpan reactions to your blackpilling were hilarious.
I loved doing that show!
Go back on! Those guys are very entertaining.
I need more practice linking at specific video times so here's the reaction I was referring to. From where I've linked here to 32:02.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hRVPSbqnECI&t=1908s
thanks!