Finishing up EoE, Beginning AV

[Jordan Simpson]

Greetings ya'll,

We are finishing up East of Eden this week with our discussion meeting
this Saturday night. See FB for all the details. I hope you all have
been enjoying the book, I look forward to hearing all our different
reads of Steinbeck's novel.

As you finish the novel, keep in mind what Steinbeck is trying to say
through the story. There is a message behind his narrative, and it
directly relates to his reading of the first chapters of Genesis,
particular Genesis 4. What is his interpretation of the human will and
capacity for evil? How does Steinbeck's interpretation fit with other,
perhaps more traditional, readings of these Scriptures?


Next week we will begin our second book for the summer, After Virtue
by Alistair MacIntyre. This is a philosophical text concerning ethics,
particularly the conception of virtue. After Virtue is a classic in
the field of ethical studies, and I'm sure many of us will find its
arguments similar to certain classes in seminary or undergrad.

When you start reading AV keep in mind the historic change in thinking
MacIntyre presents in the opening chapter. It's very important in
reading the entire book to remember he is talking about a radical
paradigm shift in how we think about identify, and calling us to go
back a pre-enlightenment or pre-modern way of viewing ourselves.
Really try to place yourself in that pre-modern perspective as you
read the book.


Hope to see you next Saturday evening!

Jordan