Books I Read This Year (2016)

I set a goal for myself to read 100 books a year. Some years I make that goal. Some years I do not. This year I did, though I didn't intend to set out to read the entire Stephen King canon. What can I say? Things happen. (And I didn't quite read everything he's published... )

American Folk Songs for Christmas – Ruth Crawford Seeger
Treasury of Christmas Music – William L. Reed
The International Book of Christmas Carols – Walter Ehret
The Return of the Star of Bethlehem – Kenneth Boa
Towards a Church of the Poor – Julio de Santa Anna
Sharing the Word through the Liturgical Year – Gustavo Gutiérrez
Nosferatu: An Opera Libretto – Dana Gioia
The Night Church – Whitley Strieber
God Eating: A Study in Christianity and Cannibalism – J.T. Lloyd
We Should All Be Feminists – Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Hunter S. Thompson’s Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas  - Troy Little
Bible Stories for Adults – James K. Morrow
Swell Foop – Piers Anthony
Pop Sonnets: Shakespearean Spins on Your Favorite Songs – Erik Didriksen
Emma – Howard Zinn
The Children of Men – P.D. James
The Invisible Man – H.G. Wells
The Lottery and Other Stories – Shirley Jackson
Stephen King: The First Decade – Joseph Reino
Sphere – Michael Chrichton
Chomsky on Anarchism – Noam Chomsky
The Complete Fiction – H.P. Lovecraft
The Wolf’s Hour – Robert McCammon
Crazy Horse: The Strange Man of the Oglalas – Mari Sandoz
Selected Stories: Family Matters – Symphony Space
The Best American Travel Writing -  Bill Bryson
Sylvester and the Magic Pebble – William Steig
Resurrection – Leo Tolstoy
House of Leaves – Mark Danielewski
Many Waters – Madeline L’Engle
A Swiftly Tilting Planet – Madeline L’Engle
Wind in the Door – Madeline L’Engle
A Wrinkle in Time – Madeline L’Engle
Chairman Mao Meets the Apostle Paul: Christianity, Communism and the Hope of China – Khiok-Khng Yeo
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn – Mark Twain
Pontypool Changes Everything – Tony Burgess
The Oath – Frank Peretti
Will & Kate – Dawn Volz
Bob Dylan and Philosphy: It’s All Right Ma, I’m Only Thinking – Peter J. Vernezze, Carl J. Porter, James S. Spiegel
Dr. Faustus – Christopher Marlow
Typee: A Peep at Polynesian Life – Herman Melville
The Producers – Mel Brooks
Leaving Iowa – Tim Clue
The Orthodox Heretic – Peter Rollins
Wool – Hugh Howely
Joe Hill: The IWW & the Making of a Revolutionary Working Class Counterculture – Franklin Rosemont
Praying with John of the Cross – Wayne Simsic
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang – Ian Fleming
Life and Fate – Vasily Grossman
Lost Horizons – James Hilton
How to Pray when You’re Pissed at God: Or Anyone Else for that Matter – Ian Punnett
The Haunted House and Other Spooky Poems and Tales – Vic Crume
The Shroud Codex  - Jerome R. Corsi
Wastelands: Stories of the Apocalypse – John Joseph Adams
Mein Kampf – Adolf Hitler
Prophet – Frank Peretti
Countdown to Sunday: A Daily Guide for Those Who Dare To Preach – Chris Erdman
Hitler: 1936 – 1945 Nemesis – Ian Kershaw
Hitler: 1889 – 1936 Hubris – Ian Kershaw

Stephen King -
The Gunsligner
The Drawing of the Three
The Waste Lands
Wizard and Glass
Wolves of the Calla
Song of Susanna
The Bazaar of Bad Dreams
The Tommyknockers
Misery
Skeleton Crew
Doctor Sleep
The Shining
Insomnia
The Dead Zone
Four Past Midnight
Rose Madder
Nightmares and Dreamscapes
Mr. Mercedes
The Dark Half
Dream Catcher
‘Salem’s Lot
From a Buick 8
The Regulators
Hearts in Atlantis
Gerald’s Game
Everything’s Eventual
Blockade Billy
The Eyes of the Dragon
Desperation
Cujo
Black House
The Talisman
The Long Walk
Roadwork
Rage
The Running Man
Lisey’s Story
Under the Dome
Different Seasons
The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon
The Stand
11 / 22 / 63

You Gave Four Stars to “Mein Kampf”?!

In the last month I’ve been reading quite a bit about Adolf Hitler and the Nazi party.  First I read the massive two volume biography of Hitler by Ian Kershaw (Hitler: 1889 – 1936 Hubris / Hitler: 1937 – 1945 Nemesis) and I’ve just finished Hitler’s own autobiographical and philosophical ramblings, Mein Kampf (“My Struggle”). And I’ve given it-a very qualified- four out of five stars.

I began this reading for two reasons: 1) I’ve joined the local community theater group for a production of Mel Brooks’ comedic musical The Producers; I’ll be playing the part of Franz Liebkind, a devoted follower of “our beloved führer (Producers Act 1 Scene 6).” It’s a broad role intended to be played for scenery chewing and laughs rather than intellectual examination but I wanted, for my own benefit, to know something more about Franz’s hero: Adolf Elizabeth Hitler (Producers Act 1 Scene 6). That’s one of the jokes in the show. In fact, Adolf does not seem to have been given a middle name.)

And 2) in our highly charged, politically polarized times comparisons with Hitler and the Nazis are both too frequent and usually inaccurate. I’ve been reading this material so that I can help to stem the tide of baseless Hitler comparisons (probably an unrealistic expectation, I know, more improbable than King Canute commanding the tide waters to halt…) and so I can, where it is legitimate and accurate, make helpful and realistic comparisons to and contrasts with Hitler and the NSDAP (Nationalsozialistische Deutsche Arbeiterpartei - the National Socialist German Worker’s Party - commonly known as the Nazi party).

And now, having trudged through Hitler’s 688 page screed (as translated by Ralph Manheim) all I can say is “ugh!” And yet I am giving it 4 of 5 stars-a very qualified 4 stars.

That rating is not given for the quality of writing. Hitler’s prose is, even keeping in mind the German tendency for lengthy, ponderous, even labyrinthine sentences (Manheim xiii), tedious and vague. He isn’t concerned with providing details or specifics, just fury and rage. There is no orderly progression in Mein Kampf, even if it does, loosely, follow the events of his life, from his childhood in Bavaria up through his ascendancy to the role of Leader in the NSDAP; Hitler circles around, forward and backward, through his favorite topics. There’s little connection between paragraphs as he lurches from one topic to another. There are few concrete images; Hitler liked universal abstractions.  Mixed metaphors abound.

Hitler’s writing is marginally better than the impenetrable diatribes of Scientology’s founder, L. Ron Hubbard, but only just.

And neither is the four star rating for the validity of his philosophy or political program. Good God, no! It’s nothing but unrestrained egoism and hate on every page. It is evil.

So why a four star rating?

Because it’s important. Mein Kampf  needs to be read and to be understood in its historical context so that we might never forget what has happened and so that we can prevent it from happing again in our time.

Godwin’s Law of Nazi Analogies seems to be accurate: "As an online discussion grows longer, the probability of a comparison involving Nazis or Hitler approaches 1 —​that is, if an online discussion (regardless of topic or scope) goes on long enough, sooner or later someone will compare someone or something to Hitler or Nazism.”

Yet there are times when a comparison to Hitler or the Nazi party might be warranted, might be helpful in better understanding our world. We need to have an accurate understanding of the man and his party and his program if we’re going to make comparisons to and contrasts with the people and events of our present reality.

I’d like to suggest that it should be read by everyone. I can’t imagine that it will convince anyone to take up the vitriolic antisemitism of the Nazi party (except those who are already filled with that hatred); the writing is ploddingly dull. It’s not going to be convincing. So put it under the light. Give it exposure so that we can all understand him, and better understand our times as well.

Brooks, Mel and Thomas Meehan. The Producers. Booksfilms Limited. 2000.

Hitler, Adolf. Mein Kampf. Trans. Ralph Manheim. New York: Houghton Mifflin Company. 1971.

Manheim, Ralph. Translator’s Note. Mein Kampf. By Adolf Hitler. New York: Houghton Mifflin Company. 1971.

What I’m Reading: Another Gospel – A Confrontation with Liberation Theology

I’ve just finished reading the short little book Another Gospel: A Confrontation with Liberation Theology by Paul C. McGlasson.  It’s a scant 94 pages – which includes the preface and the select bibliography and index.  But I didn’t need to read very much of it before I realized how very flawed it is. McGlason makes it very clear that the argument of his book is that “liberation theology is a lie” (Another Gospel 17). He argues this point with passion and ferocity. But as I said, the argument is very flawed – in several ways.

1)McGlasson is arguing against an unnuanced caricature of Liberation Theology.  He deals only in generalizations and unproven assertions about liberation theology and its adherents.   Very early on in the book he acknowledges that there are varieties and differences among the those who stand under the umbrella term “liberation theology” but he refuses to distinguish among them. They’re all to be condemned.  “Can one cast one’s net so broadly?  Must one not distinguish the various movements, and voices, and assess each case by case?  Perhaps for a time; but now is not that time” (Another Gospel 16).

McGlasson also fails to cite or quote any actual liberation theologian’s writings.  He makes assertions about what “they say” but never – not a once – quotes their words.  As such, anything McGlasson declares that “they say” is an allegation without evidence.He won’t even engage with liberationists’ defense against his claims.  “Liberation theologians will of course deny this [allegation that I’ve just made]; but the rule of faith to determine the truth of their claim is clear and dependable in Holy Scripture” (Another Gospel 26).

2) And he says something like this quite often.  Several times throughout the short little book, McGlasson asserts that “…here Scripture speaks with clarity” (Another Gospel 28). And it’s always –scripture clearly endorses my point of view… But if this argument were actually true, there would be no arguments, there would be no need for this book.  McGlasson fails (or refuses) to accept that the bible is not clear on most issues.  There are disagreements on just about everything. 

3) He has no use for the Wesleyan (or Methodist) Quadrilateral (that is – interpreting through the lens of a) scripture, b) reason, c) tradition and d) experience).   He insists that his interpretation (though I doubt he would recognize it as an interpretation) of scripture is based solely on scripture itself.  Coming from the Reformed tradition, he insists on Sola Scriptura.

Which leads to 4) he accuses liberationists of creating their own version of Jesus (who he asserts is not at all the Jesus of the gospels (Another Gospel25)) but cannot seem to recognize that he does this as well.  We all do it.  It’s impossible to not do it. 

5) His tone is belligerent. He variously describes liberationists as heretical, blasphemous (64), profaners (64), idolaters (63), fascists (80), false prophets and ravenous wolves (80). He even invokes the inevitable Hitler comparison (45). I realize that “tone” is a difficult metric. But McGlasson has no interest in reasoned, polite discourse or dialogue (Another Gospel 17).  He wants a decision and he wants it now! When you’ve already written your opponent off as a diabolical and unredeemable heretic, I guess there’s no reason to be polite or to engage in dialogue.

6) He, without anything in the way of proof or evidence, describes Martin Luther King jr. as a “self-attested Messiah (Another Gospel 46).” In fact, he frequently sneers at MLKjr and the civil rights movement as whole.

7) He blames Barth.  If not on every page, then at least in every chapter, McGlasson lays the blame for the rise and spread of Liberation Theology at the feet of Karl Barth.  I don’t know enough about Barth to evaluate his claim, but the ire he directs toward Barth is unmistakable.

This “Confrontation with Liberation Theology” is just that: Confrontational.  The argument is loud and petulant. It is not civil.  Neither is it particularly well argued. He sets up straw-man generalizations about evil Liberation Theologians and then proceeds to beat them down with a whirlwind of angry rhetoric – but never actually engages with any liberation writings.  

McGlasson, Paul C. Another Gospel: A Confrontation with Liberation Theology. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 1994.

Hitler, Hillary, Paul, and Spock – The Needs of the Community

I saw this image floating around on the Facebook today and it bothered me – for a couple of reasons:

Firstly – I am increasingly dubious of quotations found on the internets without sources.  And I have not found a source for either of these alleged quotations.  I’ve found them both repeated frequently across the web, but I can’t find any source material.  The closest that I can find for the Hillary Clinton quote is that she said it in 1993, but nothing more specific than that.

Perhaps they did, in fact, say these things.  But so far I haven’t been able to discover where or when.  If you have a citation, please let me know.  I would like to see it.

Secondly – Even if they did, in fact, say these things, I’m not convinced that it’s such a bad idea, even with the inclusion of Hitler in the meme.  I know that Hitler is the Godwin's Law bugaboo of the internets, but he can’t be given so much power.  Hitler loved dogs – does that make all dog lovers suspicious?  Hitler was a vegetarian – does that mean all vegetarians are nefarious?  If Hitler were quoted as saying "I love my mother," would that make anyone who also expressed a love for their mother someone to be distrusted?  (Please do not read this as a defense of Adolf Hitler or the Nazi government.  It is not.)

The idea that individuals must consider the needs of the society is not an evil, anti-Christian idea.  In fact I’ve been hearing it taught since I was singing choruses in Sunday school class.

J-O-Y, J-O-Y,
This must surely mean
Jesus first, yourself last
and others in between.
(sung to the tune of Jingle Bells)

I know – I’m often very skeptical and cynical about Sunday school choruses – but I find the same thought in the words of the Apostle Paul:

"If then there is any encouragement in Christ, any consolation from love, any sharing in the Spirit, any compassion and sympathy, make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others." – Philippians 2: 1 – 4 (NRSV)

This does not mean that we are to be passive submissive doormats.  But it is a Christian value to think of others, to work for their good, to live self-sacrificially so that others may live better.  To label this as an evil ideal is to ignore or to disbelieve the words of our scriptures. 

An Excerpt from Dr. Tarrec's Field Guide to Demonic Encounters

In my many years of astrological research and alchemical studies I have often encountered representatives of the infernal realms – demonic forces that, had I not been better prepared, would have flayed my very soul.  These evil spirits infuse the esoteric world.  They are energetic beings stimulating both mystical and chemical reactions.  Many incautious practitioners of the alchemical arts have lost their lives (and their souls) because they failed to heed the many warnings, failed to notice when they had lost control.  There are numerous early warning signs.  Watch for them, lest you become one of the demon possessed.

Here are 47 indicators to watch for.  If you notice any of these signs you should take action immediately to bind any malicious spiritual entities that may be taking an interest in you.

1) Do you smell strange odors?
2) Are your irises purple in color?  Are they larger than normal? Are they evenly sized?
3) Do your unguarded thoughts veer towards thoughts of kittens?
4) Do you have a violent reaction to pictures of Padre Pio?
5) Does your bladder leak when you are in close proximity to a crucifix?
6) Do you have, somewhere in your possession, a wallet sized picture of Adolf Hitler?
7) Do you listen to the music of The Blue Öyster Cult?
8) Can you levitate yourself or others?
9) Have you ever attended a conference with Bob Larson?
10) Do you prefer your steaks rare or well done?
11) Have you ever offended an old gypsy woman?
12) Have you ever been abducted by a UFO or been contacted by an EBE?
13) Have you stood in the center of a crossroads at midnight?
14) Do you believe in spooks?
15) Are you now, or have you ever been a member of The Brotherhood of Games?
16) Do you believe in UFOs, astral projections, mental telepathy, ESP, clairvoyance, spirit photography, telekinetic movement, full trance mediums, the Loch Ness monster and the theory of Atlantis?
17) Have you ever played Dungeons and Dragons? Have you ever participated in LARP?
18) Do you fear the coming of an evil clown apocalypse?
19) Have you ever been struck by lightning?
20) Do experience periodic trances?
21) Do you wear leather?
22) Do you contradict yourself at least three times a day?
23) Do you feel compelled to wash your hands after coming in contact with a religious person?
24) Do you have memories of the Rectification of the Vuldronaii ?  Do you know what is to be roasted in the depths of the Slor?
25) Have you ever been declared “clear” by a member of the Church of Scientology?
26) Does your skin burn when touched by iron?  By silver?
27) Have you ever read from the Naturum De Montum or from The Necronomicon?
28) Have you, or a member of your family, participated in a cattle mutilation?
29) Do you subscribe to the Weekly World News?
30) Have you ever worked for the retail outlet known as S-Mart?
31) Does your mother sew socks that smell?
32) Do you have somnambulistic episodes lasting more than 4 hours?
33) Have you seen a procession of the damned upon the blasted heath?
34) Have you experienced a vision of impossible colours?
35) Do you keep a radioactive meteorite hidden in your basement?
36) Have you consumed the blood of a dead man?
37) Do you celebrate Halloween with costumes and candy?
38) Do you become a wolf when the wolfbane blooms, and the autumn moon is bright?
39) Have you ever been injected with codeine and gasoline or turpentine?
40) Have you ever been bitten by a moose? Has your sister ever been bitten by a moose?
41) Have you visited the house at R'lyeh?
42) Are you restless or irritable at either the Vernal or Autumnal Equinoxes?
43) Have you ever attempted to transmute lead into gold or vice versa?
44) Have you used juju to affect the outcome of professional sporting events?
45) Do you know the identity of Fantômas?
46) Are there people living under your stairs?
47) Have you visited the City of the Dead Man in Hamunaptra, India?

Ignorance and Fear-Mongering

This particularly idiotic image came through the Facebook recently.  And it has to be the grossest example of ignorance and fear-mongering that I have seen in recent days.  Good grief!

Have we already forgotten Mitt Romney?
Or W?
How about the pope?
Batman? Superman? Spiderman? Zorro?


In response to this lunacy, a few of my FB friends have started to adopt their own symbols. And I've made one for myself as well.

We won't let this ignorance go unchallenged. Even if you don't like President Obama - you shouldn't let this ignorance and fear-mongering go unchallenged, either.

Where Is Hitler’s Brain?

Göring, that sweaty faced swine
is smoking again.  He laughs too loud
and swaggers about the bunker,
waving his meaty arms like the
conductor of some obscene orchestra.


He isn’t speaking to Himmler any more,
not that Himmler has noticed.
He’s entirely wrapped up with his star charts
and horoscopes, and with telling anyone
who will listen about the Kobolds
that are digging elaborate tunnels beneath the bunker.


Outside, in the forest above, are the werewolves,
suicide soldiers, armed with glass vials
of de Führer’s flatulence.

They will defend the wolf’s lair with their
final repugnant gasp.

            But where? Where is Hitler’s brain?

Golden haired Eva is posing for photographs
and later she will taste the cyanide.
Goebbels fires off another propaganda blast
just ahead of the invading Reds:  The battle for Berlin
must become the signal for the whole nation
to rise up and poison their children…

Speer is building iconic monuments
that will stand into eternity
from thousands of spent artillery shells;
Rudolf Hess is flying through the fog
towards Scotland with a parachute and a prayer.


And faithful Bormann is guarding the door,
restricting access to the leader of this thousand year Reich
who is celebrating his birthday with cake
and a pistol.  He shares this death with his mistress wife.
Together they will burn in a pool of diesel fuel.

            But where?  Where is Hitler’s brain?