devout Christians (mostly Catholics and Anglicans) ; some of the others have been atheists-e.g., John
Kekes, a moral philosopher at SUNY Albany; Christopher Hitchens, the rabid, self-proclaimed "anti-
theist" journalist; and Albert Camus.
Mediocrities of any stripe don't do the world any good. If you're going to follow Jesus, then you'll have
to pass up the mealy-mouth stuff dished out at most churches; if you're gonna hate God, then do it right (he
can take care of himself).
It's as difficult to describe the Cocteau Twins' music as it is to understand the "lyrics" of the band's singer,
Liz Fraser. For their later recordings, perhaps "ethereal" is a good word. The recording Stars and Topsoil
(2000) provides a good overview of the band's career, though the record Blue Bell Knoll (1995) is
probably the best place for the uninitiated to start.
Preston Jones
I'm not sure what to do with the perverted, rapist priests. Loathe, pity, punish and forgive all at once? I
confess that it is hard to believe that the Catholic church has any special connection to God, given all the
nonsense and brutality that's taken place within it over the years. That's one reason I haven't actually
become Catholic. But there's power in the liturgy and the Mass. Actually, I'm an Anglican. But the
Episcopal church in this country is a disaster. The local Catholic church is the closest thing to
Anglicanism I can find.
Your note made me think about a lot of things, and if my gorgeous baby girl weren't crying right now I'd
fill you in. For now, let me say that you're right to imply that there is something barbaric at the heart of
Christianity. God wanted blood, first of animals, then of his son.
I started Latin at 32 and Greek at 34. (I'm 36 now.) So there's time for you to learn the languages you
need and to write a definitive history.
Peace,
Preston
Dear Preston,
I am impressed by your breadth of inspirational intellectuals and by your learning of Latin and Greek. Did
you take classes? Or learn "Berlitz"? I guess I had better start learning; I'm 38.
I agree with you that it is nearly impossible to summarize what I think about the child-molesting priests
in a couple of sentences. It requires a long explanation.
Is the anti-theist Hitchens a naturalist? What is his academic background?Sincerely,
Greg