5 - Other books we have read in the same line with different solutions

[Manuel]

5. We have read in the club the following books on a similar subject:
a) Return to Order: From a Frenzied Economy to an Organic Christian Society by John Horvat Solution: family-based guilds
b) The Benedict Option: A Strategy for Christians in a Post-Christian Nation by Rod Dreher Solution: all of us should become Benedictine
c) The Restoration of Christian Culture, by John Senior. Solution: go back to the 19th century
d) Strangers in a Strange Land: Living the Catholic Faith in a Post-Christian World, by Charles J. Chaput. Solution: living a Christian life
e) Christus Vincit: Christ's Triumph Over the Darkness of the Age, by Athanasius Schneider. Solution: go back to before the 2nd Vatican Council
f) The Idol of Our Age: How the Religion of Humanity Subverts Christianity, by Daniel J. Mahoney
How do these books compare with this one?

[Kristi]

I am not reading the book this month (is it ok to admit that?!) because it's a topic which I think I understand well enough already. (I've read The Restoration of Christian Culture.)

But I have to disagree with Manuel's characterization of John Senior's solution as "go back to the 19th century." I imagine that Rod Dreher, an Orthodox convert from Catholicism, might also disagree with "all of us should become Benedictine." I think Manuel is speaking tongue-in-cheek. There is of course something to what he's saying.

Senior encourages us to destroy our tvs (I imagine he would include many other devices now) and to live in Catholic community: live near each other, get together for tea and cakes and conversation, sing and talk while washing dishes after dinner (he was not a fan of the dishwasher, but I'm grateful for mine) and sing songs together. Memorize poetry, look at the stars, read Shakespeare .... etc. And love Our Lady.

I think the Dreher book popularized the ideas of Senior's book for a more general audience. He didn't give Senior credit, though.

I hope someone who has read the other books will respond to this question, too!

[Manuel]

Kristi wrote: "Senior encourages us to destroy our tvs (I imagine he would include many other devices now) "

Right, and music recorders and players, and most of the 20th century technology. What's this but going back to the 19th century?

Although I think he'd make an exception for advances in medicine, and perhaps for a typewriter, which was 19th century, although not for a computer.

So, although my characterizations were obviously exaggerated simplifications, in general I stand by them.

[Richard]

Destroying your TV or, at least having it in the garage gathering dust under an old spare tire as mine is, is the best anyone can do for one’s sanity and physical health to say nothing of one’s soul.

[Fonch]

I admit that currently with small excepciones the tv programs are absolute rubbish. However i agree with the Professor in the things are good or bad depending the employment you did of the devices.

[Manuel]

Richard wrote: "Destroying your TV or, at least having it in the garage gathering dust under an old spare tire as mine is, is the best anyone can do for one’s sanity and physical health to say nothing of one’s soul."

I only use my TV to watch the Mass when I cannot go to church, and I also watch good films (usually over 30-years-old) in DVD.

[Fonch]

I admit that with the pass of the time i watch less the TV.

[Emmy]

My family loves to watch TV, but I can't stand it. I have a handful of shows that I'll occasionally watch, but I'd prefer to sit in the quiet instead!

[Manuel]

The use of any tool can be right or wrong. A man used a hammer to try and destroy Michelangelo's Pietà. Should we forbid hammers because of that?

TV is a tool. It can be used wrongly, but it can be used well. Should Catholic TV media be closed, such as EWTN? Should the Mass on TV be forbidden? Mass on TV is useful for many people who can't go to Mass in person.

[Manuel]

Kristi wrote: "But I have to disagree with Manuel's characterization of John Senior's solution as "go back to the 19th century..."

I have re-read our discussion about Senior's book and have been reminded that in Senior's list of book for children there were none from 20th century authors (not even Tolkien and C.S. Lewis). This confirms that Senior wanted us to get back to the 19th century :-)