Questions About The Thorn Birds

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Answered Questions (13)

should celebacy in pristhood be strictly adhared to?

Zadignose This question is similar to asking "should Catholics believe in God?" The answers given so far (all fundamentally "no") are based on the presumption t…moreThis question is similar to asking "should Catholics believe in God?" The answers given so far (all fundamentally "no") are based on the presumption that Catholicism is bullshit. If you don't presume that, the answer isn't so straightforward. Taking the outsider's perspective, it's easy to reject another's faith. Should Christian Scientists go to the doctor when they're sick? If I have contempt for their faith, obviously the answer is "yes, you're sick, go to the doctor." Because, obviously, I don't believe what they believe.

As far as Catholics and the attitudes towards priests and celibacy, well... love of family and love of a woman might sound all nice, but Jesus himself had no special love or consideration for his own family, he didn't care much even for his own mother, the Holy Virgin, and he told his disciples to abandon their families and devote themselves entirely to spreading the Word of God.

Luke 14:26 If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.

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Can anyone tell me more specifically the book is set? I keep seeing "outback Australia" but that's a darn big place.

Zoe O'Connor I read an article by Germaine Greer where I think she mentions that it is likely to be set in or around Walgett....

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How did the Catholic Church react to this book when it was published? What about the Church's reaction today?

Andy Lind The Catholic Church in America had a greater reaction to the made-for-TV mini-series that came out in the early 80's. Bishops sent letters to churches…moreThe Catholic Church in America had a greater reaction to the made-for-TV mini-series that came out in the early 80's. Bishops sent letters to churches telling them not to watch it because they were afraid it would "shake many of the faithful's beliefs in both The Church and the priesthood." Today, (and mostly thanks to the internet) The Catholic Church doesn't really put much thought into what its followers are reading. Many Catholics have read "Fifty Shades of Grey" as well as books by very popular televangelists. There is no longer a Band-Books List. The Catholic Church does ask that if you are going to read something against The Church, that you study The Catholic Faith even more so that you will be able to defend The Church's position on such things when asked. Also if a book like this or some other kind leads you into sinful thoughts or actions that you bring it up the next time you are in Confession.(less)

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I'm about 70% through the book but I watched the mini series years ago. I'm interested in the relationship Meggie has with Fee & history repeating itself. I've been waiting for this dialogue between them, waiting for Fee to say that Meggie will pay for having Dane. Why does Fee have to remain so detached? Can the story not unfold if she softens in her old age?