So as a result of stretching my literary analysis muscles (they are a little stiff, but getting functional), I feel like I have been looking into things a little deeper than usual. I have in the course of the last couple weeks, but wrestling (in a good way) the a few questions.
I won't pretend to have answers to them, but they have been intriguing me so I thought I would share.
1. What is the definition of ignorance? Is it defined as a lack of education? Is it defined as a lack of moral or ethical boundaries?
We are reading The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn in my graduate literature class, and have been struggling with this question there.
2. When it comes to my rights/freedoms as an American citizen and my Christian beliefs, where do I draw the line?
Last week, Pastor Dave gave this sermon on Daniel chapter 3 about Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and the fiery furnace. It was really great. A friend sent me an interesting article reviewing a sermon given by the pastor at Capitol Hill Baptist Church in DC. Some thought provoking material in both. Also you can check out in your Bible chapter 13 of Romans and Mark 12:13-17. Its good stuff.
3. Do I really see what is happening around me?
Most of the literature we have been reading in the class comes from the late 1800's and is a commentary on various social conditions that existed at that time. In almost all the cases, I believe the author was asking the reader to open their eyes and see the problems that were all around them. It has led me to ponder, what is happening that I am not seeing? How deep in my bubble am I?
4. How can war actually determine who is fit to govern? When killing another person is the strategy, how can either side be "right"?
This is not a comment meant to choose sides on any war that has been fought, and it is not a comment meant to bash the war that America is currently involved in. As I have been reading an account of a Civil War soldier in the Red Badge of Courage, some of the realities of war have become more clear to me, and I just wonder how it can be right? But maybe it isn't right. Maybe it is just another example of our fallen world and our attempts to right in our imperfect way?
So there you go, a little glimpse in to my head for the week. Good luck sifting through the thoughts. Sorry if they are a little discombobulated. It seems to be the way I roll.
I'd love to hear your thoughts or insights. Leave a comment or shoot me an e-mail lindsay.frasier@gmail.com.