Jun 26, 2022·edited Jun 26, 2022Liked by Burning Bright
Great! Thanks!
Tolkien knew the difference between optimism and hope.
And Tolkien, as a profoundly devout Catholic, and one who was steeped in the philosophia perennis (Plato and Aristotle through St. Thomas), knew that light and dark; good and evil; and God and Satan are not locked in some struggle for victory; that these are not equal and opposing forces. That darkness and evil and Satan are radically and ontologically dependent upon light and good and God. There is no chance of them winning.
“Every battle is won before it’s ever fought.” Drop 1953.
The Counterinsurgency has always been alive and well. And I have no doubt that we will prevail. It's only a matter of time.
Jun 26, 2022·edited Jun 26, 2022Liked by Burning Bright
What a refreshing read that was, BB! Thank you! You see the larger picture; larger than Dem v. GOP, or patriot v. globalist, or even the biblical God v. Satan. Truly spiritual and resonant w/ hope and a sense that the Light will triumph in the end though we will have scars (and perhaps a missing finger!), and some of us will have played our part thoroughly and have only to sail off to the Western Lands as others begin a new saga. I look forward to sharing your next thoughts; until then I will guard the flickering flame of hope.
I am not behind on reading your articles. It has taken me a couple reads ( uninterrupted) to be comfortable enough to say " I get it" and "A...mazing". I really need to read Tolkien. Yes , have watched the movies almost as many times as the Godfather's and still I have been missing something. Something you just gave me a glimpse of. Thank you so very much - keep going!
As an admirer of Tolkien’s writings, I found that your essay was steeped in great thinking. Truly it was a pleasure to read and digest. Yes, hope is very powerful and I dare say an equal to courage in the face of drastic odds. Thank you.
Very timely and a great perspective to keep in our hearts and minds as this battle for the minds (souls) of all people rages on.
Just like when Jesus asks Peter "will you leave me too" and Peter responds to Jesus "where else could I go, for you have the words of life" may we remember to keep it simple when our enemies try to confuse us. It's never more complicated than to do what is right and trust our Father in heaven with the outcome.
Always remeber that we fight for love, from a place of victory won by a man who paid the ultimate sacrifice!
i am once again reminded of how Glenda the Good Witch of the North told Dorothy "You had it all along, my dear."
i luv how LOTR, Myth of our Time that it is, shows us how building faith and trust in one another, and building each other up and nurturing that spark in us we all have, is such a noble thing that makes all the struggles worthwhile and gives us such strength and fortitude through it all.
Great! Thanks!
Tolkien knew the difference between optimism and hope.
And Tolkien, as a profoundly devout Catholic, and one who was steeped in the philosophia perennis (Plato and Aristotle through St. Thomas), knew that light and dark; good and evil; and God and Satan are not locked in some struggle for victory; that these are not equal and opposing forces. That darkness and evil and Satan are radically and ontologically dependent upon light and good and God. There is no chance of them winning.
“Every battle is won before it’s ever fought.” Drop 1953.
The Counterinsurgency has always been alive and well. And I have no doubt that we will prevail. It's only a matter of time.
What a refreshing read that was, BB! Thank you! You see the larger picture; larger than Dem v. GOP, or patriot v. globalist, or even the biblical God v. Satan. Truly spiritual and resonant w/ hope and a sense that the Light will triumph in the end though we will have scars (and perhaps a missing finger!), and some of us will have played our part thoroughly and have only to sail off to the Western Lands as others begin a new saga. I look forward to sharing your next thoughts; until then I will guard the flickering flame of hope.
I am not behind on reading your articles. It has taken me a couple reads ( uninterrupted) to be comfortable enough to say " I get it" and "A...mazing". I really need to read Tolkien. Yes , have watched the movies almost as many times as the Godfather's and still I have been missing something. Something you just gave me a glimpse of. Thank you so very much - keep going!
Truly beautiful and inspiring. Thank you for the reminder to keep the faith and the encouragement to press on through the dark.
As an admirer of Tolkien’s writings, I found that your essay was steeped in great thinking. Truly it was a pleasure to read and digest. Yes, hope is very powerful and I dare say an equal to courage in the face of drastic odds. Thank you.
An AMAZING PIECE!! LOVE IT AND PLAN TO SHARE IT WITH MANY. THANK YOU!!!
Beautiful words. Thank you for writing this.
Very timely and a great perspective to keep in our hearts and minds as this battle for the minds (souls) of all people rages on.
Just like when Jesus asks Peter "will you leave me too" and Peter responds to Jesus "where else could I go, for you have the words of life" may we remember to keep it simple when our enemies try to confuse us. It's never more complicated than to do what is right and trust our Father in heaven with the outcome.
Always remeber that we fight for love, from a place of victory won by a man who paid the ultimate sacrifice!
splendidly heartwarming !!
so pleased to discover you on TS :)
i am once again reminded of how Glenda the Good Witch of the North told Dorothy "You had it all along, my dear."
i luv how LOTR, Myth of our Time that it is, shows us how building faith and trust in one another, and building each other up and nurturing that spark in us we all have, is such a noble thing that makes all the struggles worthwhile and gives us such strength and fortitude through it all.
We. Will. Overcome.
Wow. What an utterly wonderful essay. Thank you so much.
Thank You BB 👏👏 Good read .God Bless You and Your's 🙏🙌 ....
Got behind on my reading.....yes and AMEN! HOPE...it is that sliver of light no matter how dark. Thank you for another encouraging read.