I have just realised that it is Friday and I have not written anything… some may say that is a relief – I acknowledge that I have been ranting lately!
So just a random spray of thoughts.
My week has been dominated by the reading of The Running Grave by Robert Galbraith who you may know is also JK Rowling.
It is a detective novel about a cult/religion which bewitches and fleeces many people. The description of the religion, its dogma and rituals and ability to ensnare intelligent people provides a detailed, thought provoking literary artefact. The worlds of the wizardry in Harry Potter stories and Tolkien’s Middle Earth come to mind.
Her depiction of the ease with which our fellow humans are beguiled and converted to blind faith is all too real. The fact that new cults and religions flourish faster than second hand car salemen retire is a tragedy and clear indication of the need for meaningful spiritualiy in today’s world
There are estimated to be more than 45 000 Christian denominations with new prophets and witnesses, each with their own interpretation of the Christian God. This suggests religion has been a fertile field for creativity … and a comfortable living?
The story includes the experience of a beloved relative developing dementia, which provoked urgent thoughts about personal life plans and wishes …
Rowling is a serious social commentator and a literary treasure – I love her work.
Onto less valuable artworks…
I wrote this nearly 4 years ago about Married at First Sight:
What morally bankrupt, banal, conscience-less executive producer agreed to that? How can these people justify the immoral drivel they feed into people’s heads . Tempting people with TV exposure and cash to perform questionable, objectionable, offensive and immoral ceremonies is disgusting.
Do you remember the film of the Depression-era dance marathon of the desperate for the amusement of spectators:“They shoot horses, don’t they?” Why don’t they re-open the Colosseum in Rome and feed Christians to lions?
Finally, I despair that it is so easy to divide societies so easily and so damagingly … the Australia Day furore just deepens the chasm opened by the ill-considered Voice referendum.
Herself is away this week, on the otherside of the continent, grandson tending. The house is quiet in an empty way…
sillysocksonfriday 