Were the Puritans so different from Christians today?

It's commonplace to revile the Puritan ethic and way of life among the settlers in New England. But, like everything else, a second look may bring fresh insight. When I teach American Literature of the period, I am invariably impressed by the sincerity and spiritual vision of the Puritan community. The writings of Anne Bradstreet are a good starting point. You can find many genuine examples of Christian simplicity and "inspired living" in her writings and in those of her compatriots.

For the Puritans, individual personality mattered less than having one's entire nature moved and directed by the Holy Spirit. They shunned the urge to exhibit sophistication or refinement, however well-intentioned. If you want to know more, read "Puritanism and the Power of Sympathy," by Abram Van Engen (Trinity University).

The Puritans were vexed by the emergence of Enlightenment ideas, as contemporary Christians are troubled by the dry agnosticism of humanists and worldly thinkers today. It is interesting to note the parallels between their dilemmas and those of today's "anonymous Christian" (Karl Rahner).

Higher education is my hottest focus at the moment, not only because it's in crisis mode but because it is the key to our survival as a society. We need all hands on deck for this one!!
I asked Dottie Billington, a fellow consultant from the West Coast, to comment on a couple of issues concerning effective learning. She wrote:

"Right now I can't think of any needed research about adult learning and development, but I still sometimes sit in talks where the speaker doesn't involve the audience at all. I think there's been research about how interaction helps learning, but maybe some more studies on that, as it's a crucial point I think. and more studies may make teachers/speakers more aware of the need.

"On adult development, this is out of the realm a bit, but I'm continually wondering how our genes affect our ongoing development: our openness to new ideas, our positive vs. negative attitudes, our abilities to relate well to others, etc. AND if genes do determine these factors to a large extent, can we overcome our genetic heritage, change it to do better."

The Queen Mary 2, a flagship on the Cunard Line, cruises up and down the Eastern seaboard of the U.S. every summer. I'm trying to win a transatlantic cruise for , so wish me luck! This luxury ocean liner offers its famed White Star service and unparalleled amenities - restaurants, high tea, themed gala balls, celebrity variety shows, and impeccable attention to detail.

The Kennedy Center Honors (2006) in Washington D.C. Andrew Lloyd-Webber (second from left). Zubin Mehta (extreme right).

Pie Jesu - two versions

"Pie Jesu" is a choral delicacy that comes in two contemporary flavors. One is the tender soprano solo from the Requiem mass composed by Andrew Lloyd-Webber. The other is an equally poignant choral motet composed by John Brunning (a guitarist, composer, and broadcaster for Classic FM, London). Webber's piece has been sung by many vocalists, including Sarah Brightman (Webber's second wife) and the Australian prodigy, Charlotte Church. Brunning's piece has been sung famously by the All Angels group (4 women) in 2007 and by the King's Singers (Cambridge).

If you ask me, I prefer Brunning's choral motet because it has delicious complexity and several shades of light and dark. For those who are just finishing their sausage mcmuffin, "Pie Jesu" (strictly "Pious Jesus") is usually translated as "Sweet Jesus" and is the first phrase in the musical version of the Agnus Dei (Lamb of God), a communion prayer in the Requiem mass (mass of the dead) of the Catholic Church.

Much to learn, my friend. (Wipe those crumbs off your mouth and drink some orange juice.)

Rethink heroism

July 4 is a good day to think about heroes. Read (yes, actually read) the Declaration of Independence and you will understand how ordinary men can rise to heroic status. I heard a reading of the DOI on NPR today: it's stirring, especially when done by a range of human voices.

Although written 235 years ago, that complex rhetorical argument makes a simple point about human dignity, freedom, and the right to pursue happiness. All that anger and frustration channeled so cogently, yet elegantly, in classic neoclassical prose, reminiscent of the Age of Sensitivity (Samuel Johnson) and anticipating the soaring spirit of romanticism that was incubating in the hearts and minds of oppressed peoples.

An important theme in my Mythology course is "the heroic imagination" throughout the ages. The chemistry of heroism hasn't changed, but our assumptions about the raw material of heroes have gone from elitist to egalitarian: heroes are everyday people who are inspired to perform great deeds, usually for the good of others (or the greater good). This applies easily to Mandela as it does to Sullenberger, to Mother Teresa as to the brave firefighters of 9/11.

Do you know any heroes?

La Familia Mendonca

This family group is missing the latest addition - Jonas Raphael, son of Bronius and Julia (our second daughter). Look for a photo of this wunderkind very soon.

Brace yourselves! I'm back!

I'm tuning in again, after a long and mysterious absence from the blogwaves. Maybe because it's a Sunday, maybe because it's the July 4 weekend, maybe because the retired old Catholic priest preached a homily about the relevance of social media to the life of a Christian. This 80 year-old man, blessed with an alert, smiling countenance, couldn't say enough about his iPAD and his boyish excitement over the many apps available for accessing scripture readings and all kinds of religious content. The congregation in the elegant Mary Chapel (at Prince of Peace parish in Houston, Texas) seemed spellbound by this ecclesiastic endorsement of social media. We can all thank Pope Benedict for his recent messages on Twitter!!! Amusing and amazing at the same time.

So whatever the reason, I'm back, and I hope I can persevere because there is a lot on my mind that is worth sharing - every day, as those who know me would ruefully testify.

Ironically, I'm someone who teaches university courses on Social Media and Culture, but I'm worse than indolent when it comes to being a practitioner.

Anyone feel the same way? You prefer to observe the whirl and churn of the media without risking your peace of mind by getting too involved?