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Marilynne Robinson on John Calvin
May. 26th, 2012 09:16 amBrilliant interview with author Marilynn Robinson on John Calvin:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b01hq373/Night_Waves_Barbaric_Genius/
Start at 22:30
"The thing that Calvin valorizes beyond all things is the presence of the mind in the world."
When he asks why they are viewed as so severe she says they were on the losing end of many wars, and as the leading voices of Abolistionism in the US refused to find humor in human bondage... that is an interesting interpretation, and also one that resonates a little more than it ought.
For more about Calvin's links to 19C literature (inc her description of reading Moby Dick & the Institutes side by side) and her take on 'election' (aka pre-destination) listen to the interview!
This is a very different take than you will get elsewhere. And while Calvin certainly deserves the reputation he no doubt enjoys, and while all the nasty things you've heard about him are also true... she is right on the mark.
Loved Gilead, hated Home. Haven't read Housekeeping, but clearly need to keep up on her essays. Not very many people understand this interpretation. It's no wonder people keep sending me her books!
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b01hq373/Night_Waves_Barbaric_Genius/
Start at 22:30
"The thing that Calvin valorizes beyond all things is the presence of the mind in the world."
When he asks why they are viewed as so severe she says they were on the losing end of many wars, and as the leading voices of Abolistionism in the US refused to find humor in human bondage... that is an interesting interpretation, and also one that resonates a little more than it ought.
For more about Calvin's links to 19C literature (inc her description of reading Moby Dick & the Institutes side by side) and her take on 'election' (aka pre-destination) listen to the interview!
This is a very different take than you will get elsewhere. And while Calvin certainly deserves the reputation he no doubt enjoys, and while all the nasty things you've heard about him are also true... she is right on the mark.
Loved Gilead, hated Home. Haven't read Housekeeping, but clearly need to keep up on her essays. Not very many people understand this interpretation. It's no wonder people keep sending me her books!
