Diana, I heard you and Tripp and Brian discuss issues around your shock at Midnight Mass. To me, Midnight Mass is about the church today, in which we may now see Christians as vampires, in the same ways that zombie films are about us, who mindlessly moved through suburban malls in the 80s, moving through our time now, eating brains, denying truth. We are awakened as Brian McLaren suggests, to truths about the church's past, our racist past, our political fragility, and our social divisions [see Ezra Klein's essay on Albion's Seed].
As these awakenings came over me, mostly in the past two years, I realized that my autobiography, which I thought was finished, isn't, because I didn't see that all these awakenings are the necessary foundations of whatever replaces churches in years to come.
I asked "Where do I go?" in '91 and again in '01. I went to the Jesus Seminar to work, and later to the UUA for community, which threw me out because they didn't want atheists to upset visiting Christians. Mentally, I have left my Presbyterian heritage, which taught me how to think, and is therefore responsible for my heresies. I cannot abide speculation or the supernatural, and Midnight Mass, which did such a great job presenting the Christian tradition, showed me that the church is too much a clutch of vampires. Communities of commitment to following Jesus would be the answer, except that there aren’t any.
I would be interested in a podcast between you and the writer of Midnight Mass! You are right so much to unpack theologically!! I wonder what the traditional Catholic Priest Would have to say about the presentation of the Mass?
First thank you for pointing out these books and most importantly the themes in them, and how one of the books in particular-misses the point of St Benedict’s approach. I would say further that he misses the import of the eschatological portions in the gospels, which are rich in their ethical and moral aspects-and treating the least of these and how we treat them, is how we treat-when I was in prison, you visited me, when I was hungry-you fed me. This is not a retreat from the world-it is engaging it’s injustice with love and justice-not even to, but especially to, the least of these.
Again thank you for pointing out the need to engage Vice retreat from the world.
For the heart of the Christian faith is God so loved the World-love is nothing if it’s not engagement.
We are called to engage-St Benedict, St Francis, the Early Church-engaged. Jesus-engaged-God..engages-while we were yet sinners as the Pauline writings would say in concert with the gospels-while we were at our furthest in alienation (sin) -Christ loved us to the point of death-even that on a cross.
No, he’s mistaken Benedict, Francis, the Early Church, and the gospels.
Thank you also for the reference to the Netflix series. I will certainly watch it. Much respect.
For most of history, it was "Jesus dying to save the world" Now in postmodernism, the foundational image is, "Jesus is my personal savior." Also, we have moved from asking what we can do the faith and the church to what Jesus can do for me! We have flipped the reality! Love your insights
I clearly recall the outstanding New Testament class I took with Patrick Henry at Swarthmore about 1969. It helped me on a path as a seeker, which has greatly expanded its vision as I grow older. I wish him the best.
Diana, I heard you and Tripp and Brian discuss issues around your shock at Midnight Mass. To me, Midnight Mass is about the church today, in which we may now see Christians as vampires, in the same ways that zombie films are about us, who mindlessly moved through suburban malls in the 80s, moving through our time now, eating brains, denying truth. We are awakened as Brian McLaren suggests, to truths about the church's past, our racist past, our political fragility, and our social divisions [see Ezra Klein's essay on Albion's Seed].
As these awakenings came over me, mostly in the past two years, I realized that my autobiography, which I thought was finished, isn't, because I didn't see that all these awakenings are the necessary foundations of whatever replaces churches in years to come.
I asked "Where do I go?" in '91 and again in '01. I went to the Jesus Seminar to work, and later to the UUA for community, which threw me out because they didn't want atheists to upset visiting Christians. Mentally, I have left my Presbyterian heritage, which taught me how to think, and is therefore responsible for my heresies. I cannot abide speculation or the supernatural, and Midnight Mass, which did such a great job presenting the Christian tradition, showed me that the church is too much a clutch of vampires. Communities of commitment to following Jesus would be the answer, except that there aren’t any.
I would be interested in a podcast between you and the writer of Midnight Mass! You are right so much to unpack theologically!! I wonder what the traditional Catholic Priest Would have to say about the presentation of the Mass?
I have watched the first three episodes of Midnights Mass !!😯😯 lots to unpack! Let's have a zoom or podcast session!!
Hi Diana,
First thank you for pointing out these books and most importantly the themes in them, and how one of the books in particular-misses the point of St Benedict’s approach. I would say further that he misses the import of the eschatological portions in the gospels, which are rich in their ethical and moral aspects-and treating the least of these and how we treat them, is how we treat-when I was in prison, you visited me, when I was hungry-you fed me. This is not a retreat from the world-it is engaging it’s injustice with love and justice-not even to, but especially to, the least of these.
Again thank you for pointing out the need to engage Vice retreat from the world.
For the heart of the Christian faith is God so loved the World-love is nothing if it’s not engagement.
We are called to engage-St Benedict, St Francis, the Early Church-engaged. Jesus-engaged-God..engages-while we were yet sinners as the Pauline writings would say in concert with the gospels-while we were at our furthest in alienation (sin) -Christ loved us to the point of death-even that on a cross.
No, he’s mistaken Benedict, Francis, the Early Church, and the gospels.
Thank you also for the reference to the Netflix series. I will certainly watch it. Much respect.
Unrelated to the post, but of interest: John August Swanson, the artist of the beautiful Psalm 85 image that you included, passed away Sept. 23 here in Los Angeles. You can read more about this beautiful humble man here: https://angelusnews.com/local/la-catholics/acclaimed-la-catholic-artist-john-august-swanson-passes-at-83/
You both completely mischaracterized the Dreher book. Midnight Mass is great to watch though.
For most of history, it was "Jesus dying to save the world" Now in postmodernism, the foundational image is, "Jesus is my personal savior." Also, we have moved from asking what we can do the faith and the church to what Jesus can do for me! We have flipped the reality! Love your insights
Thank You…
It is our choice, choose wisely.
Wow! Midnight Mass is definitely on my Netflix list now!
I clearly recall the outstanding New Testament class I took with Patrick Henry at Swarthmore about 1969. It helped me on a path as a seeker, which has greatly expanded its vision as I grow older. I wish him the best.