My take-away thought focused on the definition of self. Alice Walker defined herself as a black woman who was fighting against oppression. Ayn Rand's book depicted first a group who defined themselves merely as parts of the machine of society, than a man who defined himself as the ultimate end in himself, above all other considerations. Each of these definitions is lacking in truth and ultimately leads to discontent and despair.
What I was reminded of and hope to more fully implement is that the only way to find true happiness for ourselves (and be able to love others with real charity) is to fully accept the one true definition of self and others - our divine worth. When I fully accept that I am a beloved child of God (with all that entails), and that each person on this earth is a beloved child of God (without considering any other quality about them), then I am at peace with myself and others. Then am I truly not prejudiced; then am I truly charitable; then am I truly happy. Then I am complete.
I'm so glad that these books warranted lengthy discussions! Really, that was a main purpose of this "book club blog" thing.
ReplyDeleteI like what you said about a definition of self. One of the reasons that I liked reading these two books in a row was because both of them were fighting to start (or continue) radical movements. At least, they were viewed radical at the time. And when the fight is against systems that are wrong, sometimes people over-correct to get back to the beautiful median. Thus, both movements are radical--but hopefully they help us get back to the center. Without a gospel perspective, that is all you can hope for--the balanced middle, where definition of self and unity with others meet in a happy place.
However, with the gospel perspective, we aren't just hoping for the middle ground--we are working for perfection. Understanding that you are a child of God is also incredibly radical doctrine, but it transcends the boundaries that political orientations place upon the "definition of self" vs. the "definition of others."