Concinnity Writing and Critique: An Interview with Edgar Allan Poe... "Annabel Lee ...

Concinnity Writing and Critique: An Interview with Edgar Allan Poe... "Annabel Lee ...:   As the eighth imaginary interview with Edgar Allan Poe is about to begin, I must confess Anabel Lee deeply stirs my heart. Why? Maybe id...

"Athelstan"...a secret to the Viking lore on the History Channel

Athelstan is the Christian monk captured by the famous Viking leader (both in real life and in this historical novel) Ragnar Lothbrok. The monastery inhabited by Athelstan and his fellow brothers were attacked and killed with no mercy...except Athelstan. He became the domestic slave of Ragnar and his then wife Lagertha. 
  Athelstan's character role was genius and his impact on the development of other characters within this story makes a great impact on their roles. Three of these characters, Floki, King Ecbert, and Ragnar, were molded around the virtues of this Christian monk turned slave.
Why? Why did the producer Michael Hirst choose to go this direction in making this historical fiction? 
  In a 2015 interview with Michael Hirst, Chris E. Hayner writes of Hirst: " What happened I was working on Season 3 bible before I started writing the episodes. I realized I had to resolve his ( Athelstan's) issues; I had to resolve his spiritual crisis. Otherwise, I was going to start repeating myself."

  Athelstan's personal life develops into a complex inner battle, battling his convictions of Christian belief vs. the Nordic belief. The real key...Athelstan sees value in both. The paradox is
beautifully seen as various episodes continued to bring this inner turmoil to the forefront. Ragnar's Christian baptism in the river with his Viking comrades watching brought Ragnar into the similar inner conflict. This scene was of great impact to me because of Ragnar's motive for baptism... his love for Athelstan.  
  I think Hirst tapped into an area many face today in reference to spirituality. We find ourselves confused by the various teachings within Christian circles, only to witness Christian virtues demonstrated by those who have not embraced this very faith. Then, we of the Christian faith are "bombarded" with rationale from Christian leaders that do not satisfy our hearts and inner thoughts. We then cover our true feelings by accepting this religious rationale, yet the depths of our hearts still feel a drawing to this "foreign" train of thought. 

  So, why do we feel this way?

  I must again give the credit to the Vikings producer, Michael Hirst. I think the Viking series exposes a weakness within Christianity. If Christianity is nothing more than following the rules of a Christian religion, we are truly no different than any other religion. The exposure in this marvelous drama are the hearts of Ragnar and King Ecbert. Both of these men experienced a profound effect from the heart of Athelstan, and I am extremely appreciative of this exposure.
  As far as my favorite character Floki, the last episode brought one word that was so loud. In a vision, Ragnar heard the word "mercy," and Floki was freed by Ragnar. In the meantime, King Ecbert sees Athelstan in a vision and recognises Athelstan is dead, yet presents a hope that the virtues of Athelstan are worth pursuing.
  I think it brings home the fact that Christianity is not a mere set of rules, but a relationship that touches that touches the heart...of all of us.
  And this is just one side of this historical fiction story!

  Thoughts on a late winter day.....

  

   
  

Concinnity Writing and Critique: "Food to die for"...in the Victorian Era of Great ...

Concinnity Writing and Critique: "Food to die for"...in the Victorian Era of Great ...: Geri Walton, author and historian, has an interesting blog on Blogger . If you have an interest in history, Geri has a wide range of intere...

Christianity has nothing to do with the elections?...right?

We have a display of various candidates that speak of hope, of change, and of warnings if we don't, and of promises to those who pledge allegiance to their particular platform.
The candidates dig into one another's past, hoping to find something that questions and denies authenticity of their ideals.
We hear chants "We will make America great," while another says "No, we need to make America whole." We need to build our "walls for protection" while another says "we need to tear down our walls of division." 
Yet, is preparing ourselves for the 21st century to protect ourselves from the danger of being controlled by a central government and liberal policies... the only path we need to adhere? Is a liberal form of government encouraging mankind to find "peace on earth" and equality for all...the path we should choose? Meanwhile, promises, rhetoric, and the various directions we hear continue...

I read a comment the other day in reference to Christian evangelicals embracing the "Trump train." His logic was: "This is not about Christianity...it's about being an American! Separation of church and state...you know. We need a good businessman in office, not all this political waste. Besides, he isn't against Christianity, in fact he supports us!"

Hmmm...his logic is interesting, yet something inside me asks "Is he right?" So, I asked myself: "Does Christianity have any part of a presidential election? Too bad the bible doesn't address political arena....or does it?"

I have always admired Billy Graham. Not only because of his Christian belief, but his compassion with the various administrations that have resided in office. He had a way of keeping the Gospel in front of everyone without the condemnation and guilt that often comes with it.
Billy Graham commented in an article dated November 11, 2012. He said: " All of us care a great deal bout our country. The intensity of opinions and feeling during a long political campaign shows the depth of our concerns. He also commented " No election will solve America's most basic problem...the need for repentance."

Max Lucado, the popular and much respected author of Christian belief from San Antonio, Texas wrote of the need for decency in this election.
He pointed out how Donald Trump ridiculed a war hero, mocked a woman's menstrual period, made fun of a disabled reporter, refers to a former First Lady as "mommy," belittles other fellow candidates as "stupid or dummies,", referring to people as "losers" a minimum 64 times, and boasting of the bible being his #1 book yet his own book a close 2nd... might bring Lucado's suggestion to consider "decency" as a valuable characteristic in a potential President. The question arises: Is the conservative movement to regain the White House worth this type of rhetoric...words and behavior not only contrary to Christian teachings but a mockery of the values at the core of our belief?
Are we such a frustrated nation from corruption that we allow our emotions and feelings to simply vote "with a middle finger?"

I have come to this conclusion...Christianity does have influence. The Sacred Scriptures do have political references, like the appointment of Saul as a king in 1 Samuel. At that time, people were equally frustrated as Americans are today, due to corrupt judges making corrupt decisions.The result of that appointment brought...terrible results.
Another story in II Samuel tells of how a lack of repentance, no reconciliation, and humility rejected, resulted in David's 3rd son Absalom losing his own life after self appointing himself as a king.
As I ponder this election, I do understand the importance of not allowing my personal Christian beliefs to interfere with people who are running for office. Yet, I must equally not choose a candidate influenced by my own frustration and anger... nor should I abandon the Scriptures, refusing those words to be a non-factor.
As a Christian, a repentant heart does have an effect on the professional career of a candidate, and maintaining a decency is a characteristic that must be in every candidate.

                                                  A Gleaning from Proverbs 28:11

A man of wealth who ignores his own conceit, boasting and relying on his own success instead of having a grateful heart toward the Lord of Heaven, sees himself only in his own eyes.
A man who may be poor yet has common sense relying on the Lord of Heaven as his helper and finds his joy in Him, recognizes how delusional the man of wealth really is."