In Which We Entertain A Radical Thought

March 18th, 2005 · 3 Comments
by Booksquare

Far be it for us to tell others how to conduct their own business*, but we would be remiss if we didn’t suggest to the Catholic Church that timing matters. For example, if a book has rested at the top of bestsellers lists for, well, forever, then perhaps a scold about reading the so-called heresy would have been better received two years ago (give or take). See, the problem is that once everyone has purchased their requisite two copies (this is our theory on the book’s continued bestsellerdom), it’s like closing the barn door after the pigs race out. Presuming they keep pigs in barns. Our farm experience is limited.

Now, in defense of the Catholics, we would also remind readers of fiction that sometimes stuff is made up. Or not necessarily the truth. You choose.

* – This is a lie; we live to tell other people what to do.

File Under: Books/Mags/Blogs

3 responses so far ↓

  • David Thayer // Mar 18, 2005 at 3:53 pm

    Two years is the Vatican’s Fast Reaction Team in action. The Capuchins debated for 150 years about admitting women into their order; I think the candidates showed tremendous patience. Meanwhile the Rule of St. Benedict was finally modified after thirteen centuries of vigorous discussion…monks were given pillows and allowed to speak during lunch.

  • Margaret Able // Mar 18, 2005 at 6:32 pm

    I read today in a little item (either the New York Times or USA Today) that there’s a Brazilian bishop making the exact same point as you — fiction is not (necessarily) truth, and the faithful masses shouldn’t have to be protected from so-called heretical books through censorship… I also thought it was ridiculous for the Catholic Church to be making such a fuss now, but perhaps they’re thinking about the movie? Or maybe they have nothing better to do (like look for a replacement Pope?).

  • booksquare // Mar 19, 2005 at 9:59 am

    Can’t argue with that, David. It’s not like time is of the essence here — the darn book hasn’t even hit paperback yet. I apologize for snarkiness without full facts. Also for believing OU will take it all (Jill makes me say stuff like that).

    I think the Church has already lost when it comes to the movie. Tom Hanks as romantic lead…wait, maybe it is all a diabolical plot.