Morality

[close] If I’m not mistaken, one of the issues surrounding the GR take-down was whether a reviewer could ignore the content of a book and leave one-star and negative feedback because of who the author was or what he had done. Specifically, the issue revolved around the book “The Secret of Castle Cant: Being an Account of the Remarkable Adventures of Lucy Wickwright, Maidservant and Spy” by KP Bath. Apparently it’s a YA book and Mr. Bath is a convicted pedophile. My wife and I happened to be having our usual interesting discussion about books and this incident came up. During the discussions I was reminded of Paul Johnson’s book, “Intellectuals.” (http://www.librarything.com/work/23357/details/102495625) In this work, Johnson takes noted “intellectuals” to task for have a personal morality not up to conventional standards (he doesn’t like progressives.) A noted example is Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland. Apparently, Mr. Carroll was somewhat of a pedophile. (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1087447/Was-Lewis-Carroll-paedophile-Discovery-cryptic-letter-raises-questions-authors-relationship-real-life-Alice.html) And then there is the case of Michael Dorris, renowned author who committed suicide following a bitterly contest divorce and allegations of child abuse by his ex-wife, Louise Erdrich, and two daughters. Or how about Anne Perry, author of two very successful mystery series. She was convicted of participating in the murder of a friend’s mother in her youth for which she served time. So what are we to make of a book whose author might have perpetrated or been accused of rather heinous crimes? Do we judge the book on its merits? Do we ignore the personal morality of the author? Should Alice in Wonderland be demerited because of Carroll’s behavior? Tchaikovsky not listened to because he was a homosexual? Or “A Yellow Raft in Blue Water” ostracized? Then again, how about Mein Kampf? Does GR have a point?

[close] A space for thoughtful discussion on theology and its relationship to meaning, morality, human psychology, and society. This group welcomes diverse traditions, philosophical inquiry, and reflective dialogue about sacred texts, inner life, ethical questions, and the role of religion in the modern world. The goal is not preaching or debate for victory, but understanding, exploration, and respectful exchange of ideas. Remember that respect comes first. Disagree with ideas, not with people. No insults, ridicule, or hostility toward beliefs or non-belief. Feel free to share perspectives, interpretations, and experiences, but this is a discussion space, not a place to persuade others to adopt a faith, so basically no preaching or conversion attempts. Stay thoughtful and on topic, posts should relate to theology, meaning, morality, sacred texts, psychology of belief, or religion in society. Interpretations are welcome, claims of absolute authority are not. All comments and conversations must be in English. Don’t hesitate to open a topic under any theme that has already been featured. If you’re unsure where your topic belongs, you’re welcome to ask in the open discussion under the thread titled “Topic Creation”.

[close] So they got it wrong with the Jews, but does the fact that evolutionary psychology refuses to go away mean they're on to something? Self Determination vs. the Evolutionary Master and as many of the peripheral questions that we can explore and still speak to each other at family reunions.

[close] A Book Club for the Damned