Oy

[tree_and_leaf]

Julie Burchill has got religion. Had my usual reaction to JB's writing, i.e. it inspires occasional moments of thinking 'that's a decent point', but mostly eye-rolling. Though the question (apart from why someone who is much more enthusiastic about the OT than the NT isn't Jewish) which presented itself most forcibly is how she reconciles her Protestant chauvinism with her admiration for Fr Gavin Ashenden, who sounds... fairly high up the candle.

Have started packing; need to find out if the rumour that you can abmeld online is true.

(My mind is all over the place at the moment, yes; why do you ask?)

Comments

[owl]

why someone who is much more enthusiastic about the OT than the NT isn't Jewish

I didn't really get that vibe; more a denial of the attitude in some quarters that the OT is irrelevant, often going along with a IMO unpleasant dismissal of the Jews. (To quote one of the holiest people of my acquaintance, a 92-year-old Messianic Jew, "I like to think He is isn't finished with us yet!")

[tree_and_leaf]

I'm probably being unfair; JB rubs me up the wrong way, even on subjects where I actually agree with her (in this instance, it was the pointed omission of Catholics and the Orthodox which I found irritating). Though I do think it's a bit odd to write an article about why you're a Christian and not mention Jesus...

more a denial of the attitude in some quarters that the OT is irrelevant, often going along with a IMO unpleasant dismissal of the Jews.

Not an attitude I have any sympathy for, either, though I think in some cases it's more a fear of it being too difficult (not that that's excusable, either).

[owl]

Though I do think it's a bit odd to write an article about why you're a Christian and not mention Jesus...

Now that you mention it: yes, quite.

And the OT is difficult, but you're right, it's not an excuse.

[fpb.livejournal.com]

Pointed omission? We were immitted, all right! She called us "the wretched Catholics" and added several oblique insults, all because we are so nasty to wimmin. That is why I am so relieved. As you say, she is the kind of person you do not want on your side. Mind you, the TEC side of Lambeth probably just got themselves a new poster girl.

[tree_and_leaf]

I was thinking of the 'Lord of the Jews and the Protestants' line, which for my personal taste was more insulting than the 'wretched Catholics' line - but I'm sure you can bear it.

Mind you, the TEC side of Lambeth probably just got themselves a new poster girl.

I wouldn't count on it; I'm not sure quite who you mean, but I am on the liberal side on a lot of matters, and I certainly don't want her as a figure head. Although going on the article, I think she'd find the concept of 'Affirming Catholicism' confusing anyway (though oddly enough the priest she refers to sounds remarkably Anglo-Catholic).