12
Apr

Words on Wednesday - Culture is Cultivation of Sacred Things

We've had some busy weeks and I've missed these Wednesday posts. Today we'll return to another Anthony Esolen quote from Out of the Ashes:
culture is cultivation of sacred things
I think I disagree, slightly. Mr. Esolen says there is no culture at all without religion. But there is culture without religion: it is simply bad culture. If culture is cultivation of the things that a people consider sacred, then many people are considering terrible things sacred and therefore, that is their culture.

(You can see this in the Bible in Isaiah 5:20 that warns: "Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!")

We're all cultivating a culture of some sort. So the question is, "What do I consider sacred? And what culture, therefore, am I cultivating in my own home?"

If you haven't read Out of the Ashes, yet, I highly recommend it. Very thought-provoking stuff!

Recently Finished

How to Be a Tudor by Ruth Goodman. I will probably assign this to my high school student next year when she covers this time period. Very informative and engaging. (Note: the last chapter does deal with "Bed" and the related mores, but it is not salacious.)

The Book Thieves by Anders Rydell. I think most people are aware of the "Monuments Men" who tried to preserve and return art and other treasures looted by the Nazis. This book details the related challenge of returning libraries and books. If you love books, libraries, or WW2 history (Yes! on all counts for me) you will appreciate this book.

Recently Added

The Little Things by Andy Andrews. I heard Dave Ramsey interview this author, which piqued my interest.

/Not God's Type by by Holly Ordway. Haven't started this one yet, but I'm anticipating an intriguing story.

Current Read Aloud

Busy times have meant fewer read aloud evenings, which makes me sad. But we've managed several this week so we'll probably finish The Story of the Amulet soon(ish).

Current Book to Review

Nada.

Current Kindle Deals

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd is one of Agatha Christie's greatest. I can't really tell you why without spoiling it, but if you love mysteries, this is a must read! $1.99 for Kindle right now.

What are you reading now?


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