And that Hist'ry, it goes Round and Round...

[tealin]

Islamic 'Calvinism'? (BBC article)

"Making money is a sign of God's approval, and this is also similar to what Weber said about the Calvinists."
And also the Victorians and their Social Darwinism, a belief that persists (sometimes disguised) in conservative Christian America (whose religious constituents are largely Calvinist in origin or philosophy) – see? Girard is right: mimetic rivals appear to grow more and more different but actually become more and more the same. You've got a lot in common! Put down those rockets and have a potluck!

Yeah, I don't know nearly enough history or theology to make a valid argument. But I try. Madly flailing in waters way, way out of my depth.

Comments

validation for a fragile, preening drama queen - at last!

[disneyboy.livejournal.com]

Veronika, can I tell you, after pouring my heart out here, time and time again to the chirping of crickets, how thrilling it is to have someone - anyone - REACT to something I said?? Do you know how great it would be if someone was inflamed enough by my words to pick a FIGHT with me??! YAAAAY! I was afraid, even as I was typing the above comment, someone would take offense, but MORE afraid that nobody would even notice! Look, I realize that I don't say really interesting or provocative things most of the time, that I overwhelm/bore people by saying WAY too much, that I usually join the conversation way too late, and that it's up to ME to stop whining and just say things more worthy of agreement or debate - I know I generally deserve polite indifference, but that doesn't make it feel any better!(I guess I know how a lot of other people feel now, huh?)
Anyway, you make some very valid points. I mean, the fact that we're even having this conversation shows how valuable free expression is to both of us. I certainly don't think that you or most Northern Europeans are monsters! And, boy, the pervasiveness of violence in our popular media - I know a guy with 4 little kids - really nice, fervently religious, intelligent-seeming guy, mind you - who took his four little kids, aged 1 to 4 or 5 to see KING KONG!!! I see this kind of thing all the time! IT DRIVES ME CRAZY!!! ARE THESE PEOPLE ALL INSANE??? - well, you can tell it's a big pet peeve of mine. I can't really disagree with much of what you've said - you've done a good job of presenting the Northern European perspective - I just wish that more people could see the difference between bravely speaking out against intolerance, cruelty, opression, etc., and publicly taking potshots at someone's cherished religious beliefs that one deems silly and meaningless (but basically harmless) for no other purpose than to create controversy, even if there wasn't the danger of inciting violence. Freedom - compassion and/or respect for others = ...something not very desirable at best (feel free to fill in the blank). I guess I'm also used to the idea that there are appropriate forums to say whatever you want freely and safely, and other times and places when it is inappropriate (or at least unwise). For whatever it's worth. Anyway Europe is still pretty cool, IMHO.