holy smoke
Scottie Bowman (bowman@mail.indigo.ie)
Wed, 14 Oct 1998 09:37:44 +0000
The discussion of the centrality of religion in Salinger's
work crystallizes what I've suspected for some time: that there
is a real difference between Europe & America in this area.
Viewed from this part of the world, it never ceases to surprise
what a powerful role religion appears to exercise in everyday -
& perhaps especially public- life in America. Even in Holy Ireland,
& infinitelessy less so in Godless Britain or France, the levels
of church attendance, the depth of belief & the earnestness
of religious discussion cannot seem to compare with their
equivalents in America.
I honestly doubt there would be anything like the same interest
in Zen or Jesus or such if this list were European-centred rather
than American. In this neck of the woods, mysticism & the God
immanent & transcendent are embarassingly old hat.
Or so I believe. (Although, no, I don't think agnostics feel
impelled always to believe in *something*....)
Perhaps Kim will correct me as she staggers across the cobblestones
of Front Square, Trinity - where many years ago, with my
ever-mounting, furious resentment wrapped in a white surplice,
I used to be obliged, each Sunday morning, to attend chapel.
Scottie B.