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A review by libellum_aphrodite
Apocalypse by D.H. Lawrence
5.0
I first heard about this book while eavesdropping on a conversation of two friends over breakfast at PyCon 2015. Their description excited me so much, that I very awkwardly interrupted them to say, "I'm so sorry for listening, but can you please tell me what book you are talking about? Because I absolutely have to read it." Totally worth it. A+ analysis of the Book of Revelation, studying a number of compelling themes:
* Revelation's call-backs to pagan symbolism
* its particular popularity among the poor and powerless
* individuality versus collectivism in Christianity
* fear and envy as major drivers of Christianity
* modern man's loss of connection with the cosmos
The last item in particular touches many similar points as Chesterton does with "The Ethics of Elfland" in [b:Orthodoxy|87665|Orthodoxy|G.K. Chesterton|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1348323220s/87665.jpg|1807543]. The two men seem to generally agree that connection to the natural world provides joy and fulfillment for humans, but they have landed in different camps regarding the role Christianity plays in restoring or obstructing it. Lawrence's words drip with disdain for the religion, while Chesterton's exalt it. I plan to get on to [b:The Everlasting Man|112760|The Everlasting Man|G.K. Chesterton|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1347815537s/112760.jpg|2420302] and do some re-reading of both to discern more.
I'll wrap up with my favorite quote of the book:
"Society consists of a mass of weak individuals trying to protect themselves, out of fear, from every possible imaginary evil, and, of course, by their very fear, bringing the evil into being."
* Revelation's call-backs to pagan symbolism
* its particular popularity among the poor and powerless
* individuality versus collectivism in Christianity
* fear and envy as major drivers of Christianity
* modern man's loss of connection with the cosmos
The last item in particular touches many similar points as Chesterton does with "The Ethics of Elfland" in [b:Orthodoxy|87665|Orthodoxy|G.K. Chesterton|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1348323220s/87665.jpg|1807543]. The two men seem to generally agree that connection to the natural world provides joy and fulfillment for humans, but they have landed in different camps regarding the role Christianity plays in restoring or obstructing it. Lawrence's words drip with disdain for the religion, while Chesterton's exalt it. I plan to get on to [b:The Everlasting Man|112760|The Everlasting Man|G.K. Chesterton|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1347815537s/112760.jpg|2420302] and do some re-reading of both to discern more.
I'll wrap up with my favorite quote of the book:
"Society consists of a mass of weak individuals trying to protect themselves, out of fear, from every possible imaginary evil, and, of course, by their very fear, bringing the evil into being."