Random Thought Thread Part III: The Thinking

[Allhallowsday]

At my grandmother's wake one of her favorite quotes was read: "The first step to humility is recognizing one is proud."
I can't count the number of times I heard her say that, especially to me, being convinced all Americans, even half-Americans like me, were too proud.

Are you sure she thought all Americans are proud or that you exemplify pride? 

I finally got around to looking that quote up, and was surprised to see it was used by CS Lewis in Mere Christianity, though whether it originated with him I don't know. Likely not, since it is surely an old sentiment, probably one often stated amid the rock-walled convents of Ireland 1600 years ago and more. If my grandmother had had a coat of arms, that would be the legend sitting at the bottom, as pride, she was convinced, began the slow rot of the soul.

But what did surprise me was my grandmother quoting a Protestant, if she was quoting Lewis...

^ "Mere Christianity" is a term used by G.K. CHESTERTON (creator of Father Brown).  His writing influenced C.S. LEWIS who may have sought a reconciliation of all Christian faiths.  There was a great deal of interest in returning to Catholicism by English theological writers in the 20th century.  CHESTERTON did convert to Catholicism. 

The deep faith of your grandmother is admirable. 

[ER]

At my grandmother's wake one of her favorite quotes was read: "The first step to humility is recognizing one is proud."
I can't count the number of times I heard her say that, especially to me, being convinced all Americans, even half-Americans like me, were too proud.

Are you sure she thought all Americans are proud or that you exemplify pride?  

I finally got around to looking that quote up, and was surprised to see it was used by CS Lewis in Mere Christianity, though whether it originated with him I don't know. Likely not, since it is surely an old sentiment, probably one often stated amid the rock-walled convents of Ireland 1600 years ago and more. If my grandmother had had a coat of arms, that would be the legend sitting at the bottom, as pride, she was convinced, began the slow rot of the soul.

But what did surprise me was my grandmother quoting a Protestant, if she was quoting Lewis...

^ "Mere Christianity" is a term used by G.K. CHESTERTON (creator of Father Brown).  His writing influenced C.S. LEWIS who may have sought a reconciliation of all Christian faiths.  There was a great deal of interest in returning to Catholicism by English theological writers in the 20th century.  CHESTERTON did convert to Catholicism.  

The deep faith of your grandmother is admirable.  

I didn't know you had an interest in Chesterton, John. You should join the American Chesterton Society and help support his memory. I been a member since 2010.

My grandmother used to think Dublin (especially south of the Liffey) was Hell's doorstep, and all of America was the antechamber. Me, I am the soul of humility and self-deprecation.

PS: Did you know Lewis wanted to convert to Catholicism, but as one born in Ulster he felt he'd be betraying his roots to do so, so he came as close to it as he could as an Anglo Catholic?

[Allhallowsday]

...
PS: Did you know Lewis wanted to convert to Catholicism, but as one born in Ulster he felt he'd be betraying his roots to do so, so he came as close to it as he could as an Anglo Catholic?

Yes, and expect that your explanation is accurate. 

I have an interest in all English writers and theologians.  I also like the BBC Father Brown series for the title character (though English murder stories are largely contrived and absurd).  Since you mentioned MERE CHRISTIANITY I'm surprised as a member of the CHESTERTON Society you didn't mention him.  I have a soft spot for the "apologists" like SAINT AUGUSTINE, 

[ER]

...
PS: Did you know Lewis wanted to convert to Catholicism, but as one born in Ulster he felt he'd be betraying his roots to do so, so he came as close to it as he could as an Anglo Catholic?

Yes, and expect that your explanation is accurate. 

I have an interest in all English writers and theologians.  I also like the BBC Father Brown series for the title character (though English murder stories are largely contrived and absurd).  Since you mentioned MERE CHRISTIANITY I'm surprised as a member of the CHESTERTON Society you didn't mention him.  I have a soft spot for the "apologists" like SAINT AUGUSTINE, 

When you say the Father Brown series, do you mean the authentic versions of GKC's stories done in times past, or the current series with Ron Weasley's dad in the role? I have enjoyed the current shows but you know they don't reflect Brown as Chesterton penned him.

I do like Chesterton's books but deep down I think Gaiman hit the nail on the head when he said if Chesterton had written less, he'd have written better.

Ever seen The Apostle of Common Sense series done on EWTN in the 2000s? It was through those that I came to know of the Chesterton Society. I think the episodes are on YouTube now and are worth a look.

[Allhallowsday]

^I did not know the actor from Father Brown was the other actor's father.  I do know that the current series is a bit far from CHESTERTON's vision, but his concept.  I don't read books at all anymore, unfortunately. 

[ER]

Tadpoles were a food staple for the Aztecs. Just thinking about that as I look at at the night....

[indianasmith]

Tadpoles were a food staple for the Aztecs. Just thinking about that as I look at at the night....

Their biggest source of protein seems to have been from the other Mexican tribes they conquered.
The Aztecs are the only advanced civilization in the history of the world that practiced wide-scale cannibalism; they are also the only advanced civilization that developed in a region with no large native herbivore species to provide meat.  Coincidence?

[Alex]

The country seems to be baking in something of a heatwave and I am stuck in work.

[ER]

The mercy of Allah resides in the shade.

[Alex]

I wonder if rhinoceroses ever go crosseyed trying to stare at their horn?

[Alex]

Carlee has never seen Jaws before so Kristi put it on for her. As I walked past, I pointed at Roy Schnider and said "I can't believe at the end of the movie the shark eats him." 

[Leah]

I'm attempting to bleach part of my hair so I can dye it. I'll see how successful I'm at it.

[ER]

Couldn't sleep yet tonight so I replied to an email from Florida from this man who is the best salesperson I have ever known and I challenged him to sell Israeli bonds to a group of those Nation of Islam guys you see standing beside roads selling incense. He asked what he'd get if he pitched Israeli bonds to them and I said I'd buy him a trophy that proclaimed him world's bravest salesman. He was like yeah and have it shipped to whatever morgue he was reposing in after they got done with him. I agreed pretty much, yeah.

[Leah]

I'm attempting to bleach part of my hair so I can dye it. I'll see how successful I'm at it.

My hair has been bleached and dyed, though it has made me feel a bit weird.

[ER]

If ever you'd like to read about an amazing life, lived both in wartime and peace, look up Leonard Cheshire.