More from "The Life You Save . . ."

The other day, I mentioned a wonderful book that I finished recently, Paul Elie's "The Life You Save May Be Your Own:  An American Pilgrimage."  Flipping back through it, I came across a few notes and tid-bits that might be of interest to MOJ readers:

Discussing Flannery O'Connor's reading of Maritain, and her thinking about "Christian art", Elie writes:  "[Maritain] declares that there is no Christian art per se.  Subject matter -- biblical themes, candles and incense, nuns and priests -- does not Christianize a work of art. . . .  Christian art is simply art made by a Christian believer."  Could we substitute "university" or "law school" for "art"?  I don't think so, actually, but I wonder what Maritain would say.

Here's O'Connor, responding to someone who asked if she found doctrines like the incarnation "emotionally satisfying":  "I must say that the thought of everyone lollying about in an emotionally satisfying faith is repugnant to me.  The truth does not change according to our ability to stomach it emotionally. . . .  There are long periods in the lives of all of us, and of the saints, when the truth revealed by faith is hideous, emotionally disturbing, downright repulsive."

O'Connor, writing a forward to Wise Blood:  "That belief in Christ is to some a matter of life and death has been a stumbling block for readers who prefer to think it a matter of no great consequence."

O'Connor, responding to a correspondent "in religious anguish":  "If what the Church teaches is not true, then the security and sense of purpose it gives you are of no value and you are right to reject it."

There's so much more. . . .