The Consolation of the Andy Griffith Show
Fifth and Sixth century Christian theologian Boethius was rotting in prison, and what provided him consolation through his suffering? Was it his faith? Was it the holy Trinity, about which he wrote extensively? No. It was Philosophy. Boethius wrote his famous The Consolations of Philosophy while in prison, and the work shows little, if any, Christian influence. This has led some to speculate that Boethius gave up his Christian faith in prison.
So how does this relate to Andy Griffith and me? Well, I have not been rotting in prison, and I make no claim that my situation is even remotely close Boethius’ (or that I am even close to as smart as he was). Yesterday I was down for a variety of reasons. One is that the job outlook for next fall is not looking too great. Granted, I haven’t applied to many places (because of location issues), but I don’t want to sub next year, period. So what cheered me up? Was it my faith? Was it all my theology books and knowledge? Nope. It was eating Coconut Popsicles (which Jennifer bought for me) and watching episodes from the 6th season of the Andy Griffith Show, which is the first color season, the first without Don Knotts, and ultimately not my favorite. Still, it worked. Oh well, whatever works I guess. Of course, the sacramental theologian in me knows that God can use his creation anyway, whether the Bible, a DVD, or coconut popsicle!
June 2nd, 2006 at 5:02 pm
And, we also know (as you are well aware) that the object of the Faith is not to give us a “pick me up” but to save our souls.
I do like to look at all legitimate pleasures as little sample/preview packs from Heaven. Popsicles and DVDs included. We only get them in the doses we can stand in our present state. The uncut stuff would destory us at this point, I’m sure…or at the very least be only partially apprehended.