It explains how denying the existence of God will surely bring about suffocation.
In the first section, Esolen describes his relationship with the Family Bible. He comes away inspired.
In the second, he describes man's relationship with art, those visible works which allow the heart to seek something beyond self and suggest worship.
In the third part of the essay, Esolen is sure that billboards line the road to Avernus and challenges the reader to ignore the sirens of the enemy.
Overall, Esolen is right.
He speaks from a position of authority: a college English professor who comes into contact with a large number of young adults. I think he has a pretty good grip on how well modern-day parents have prepared their offspring for the responsiblities of 21st-century adulthood.
We should heed his warnings, apply his methods, and share his message.
But Ten Ways to Destroy the Imagination of Your Child is an unusual parenting manual.
Would you give it as gift to new parents?
How will you apply Esolen's solutions?
What will you do with this book?
If nothing else, consider reading all of Cindy's commentaries. She hosted the online book club for this title and always included practical applications of Esolen's high brow references.
Dana,
ReplyDeleteIt is certainly an unusual book. I think I will keep it around to hand out. The 10 ideas represented by the methods are important in this increasingly difficult maze of technology and modernity.
I find myself challenged and confused as I navigate the ways the world has changed since my own childhood. But transcendence tells us that not all as changed. Some things are eternal. This is comforting.
Ditto what Cindy said. I'll definitely be keeping it around as part of the "family lending library" as I like to call it. I actually find it quite difficult to name one other books that puts all of these issues together in one small space, and in language that is accessible to most of us, even if he uses literary examples with which we are unfamiliar. With that said, I think his ironic approach will definitely limit the audience...
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