Tim — This guy has great wit, but a bad target. While I’m not a “crunchy con,” and I consider that book rather more con-descending than con-servative, we conservatives ought to listen to Wendell Berry — he has important things to say.
For example: He is not anticity, only procity. Also, as a Christian, he does not see human commerce as opposed to the natural world, but rather thinks that there ought to be more use of public lands for ranching, etc. Finally, he has a worldview so counter to the gnosticism of the day that we ought to consider him somewhat of an ally against today’s gnostic priests and priestesses (read Oprah Winfrey, Rick Warren, Joel Osteen, and Elaine Paigels.)
Hey Chris,
Thanks for your comments. I can’t say anything about Berry, because I’ve never read him; but your comments will make me think twice about reading him! Hope your new place is treating you well.
Traditional conservative thought has often seen the capitalistic and cosmopolitan environment of the city as a source of corruption of society as a whole. The model was “the village, the manor and the church”.
Anyway, for a theology of the city, read Ellul http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0802815553/002-7345430-0564858?v=glance&n=283155
and yes, Berry IS great
Tim — This guy has great wit, but a bad target. While I’m not a “crunchy con,” and I consider that book rather more con-descending than con-servative, we conservatives ought to listen to Wendell Berry — he has important things to say.
For example: He is not anticity, only procity. Also, as a Christian, he does not see human commerce as opposed to the natural world, but rather thinks that there ought to be more use of public lands for ranching, etc. Finally, he has a worldview so counter to the gnosticism of the day that we ought to consider him somewhat of an ally against today’s gnostic priests and priestesses (read Oprah Winfrey, Rick Warren, Joel Osteen, and Elaine Paigels.)
Hey Chris,
Thanks for your comments. I can’t say anything about Berry, because I’ve never read him; but your comments will make me think twice about reading him! Hope your new place is treating you well.
Tim
Traditional conservative thought has often seen the capitalistic and cosmopolitan environment of the city as a source of corruption of society as a whole. The model was “the village, the manor and the church”.
Anyway, for a theology of the city, read Ellul
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0802815553/002-7345430-0564858?v=glance&n=283155
and yes, Berry IS great