I am a Christian- more specifically a Mormon. As such, I have a nearly unwavering faith in God, Jesus Christ and the Atonement in my personal life. I sometimes read religious-themed books to bolster my faith, but never to tear it down. I'm not interested in tearing down the greatest part of my life.
As many Christians do, I enjoy reading the works of C.S. Lewis- and not just The Chronicles of Narnia. The Case for Christianity, The Screwtape Letters and Mere Christianity are all excellent books.
Recently, I found this book:
The Question of God, written by Dr. Armand M. Nicholi, Jr. featuring the work of C.S. Lewis and Sigmund Freud. The author takes words written or spoken (from transcribed speeches or interviews) by Lewis and Freud and uses their opinions to debate moral and religious arguments. Lewis is considered one of the most popular spokesmen for Christianity and Freud one of the most popular spokesmen for secularism (note: I said most popular, not most famous, not most educated... most popular).
Here I will pause in my explanation of the book and let you know a little about my opinions of Freud prior to reading this. I am a product of the public school system, and as my friend John can attest, history is not really a strong suite of the public school system. (seriously, read that link, it will kill all faith you currently have in high school history curricula)
Prior to reading this book, my opinion of Freud was this:
He was a psychiatrist. He was a sex fiend. He used his position of intellect to convince others that sex-fiendish behavior was not only tolerable and acceptable, but to be sought after and embraced.
(I don't remember learning anything about Freud in school... maybe school would have corrected me a bit? I don't know... but... it is what it is)
This book is, hands down, one of the most fascinating books I've ever read. I didn't sway my religious feelings, my personal testimony is far too strong for that. But it did paint a different picture of Freud than I had before. And that is how this book changed my opinion about something.
My opinion of Freud after reading this book:
He was an extremely intelligent man. He lived a sad, tortured sort of life and endured pain in many ways that most of us never have to deal with. He revolutionized the psycho-therapy industry and millions of people have healed from some very deep hurts as a result of his tireless work. He led a nearly unimpeachable life.
However, I still hold that many of his ideas about sex are twisted and just plain wrong, but I find myself willing to overlook those errors in judgment in light of all the good he did do in other fields.
A blogging friend of mine posted a bookish meme, after reading it on another blogging friend's site. I can't not participate! This post was written in response to the 30 Days of Books.
The full list:
Day 01 – The best book you read last year
Day 02 – A book that you’ve read more than 3 times
Day 03 – Your favorite series
Day 04 – Favorite book of your favorite series
Day 05 – A book that makes you happy
Day 06 – A book that makes you sad
Day 07 – Most underrated book
Day 08 – Most overrated book
Day 09 – A book you thought you wouldn’t like but ended up loving
Day 10 – Favorite classic book
Day 11 – A book you hated
Day 12 – A book you used to love but don’t anymore
Day 13 – Your favorite writer
Day 14 – Favorite book of your favorite writer
Day 15 – Favorite male character
Day 16 – Favorite female character
Day 17 – Favorite quote from your Favorite book
Day 18 – A book that disappointed you
Day 19 – Favorite book turned into a movie
Day 20 – Favorite romance book
Day 21 – Favorite book from your childhood
Day 22 – Favorite book you own
Day 23 – A book you wanted to read for a long time but still haven’t
Day 24 – A book that you wish more people would’ve read
Day 25 – A character who you can relate to the most
Day 26 – A book that changed your opinion about something
Day 27 – The most surprising plot twist or ending
Day 28 – Favorite title
Day 29 – A book everyone hated but you liked
Day 30 – Your Favorite book of all time
