Beowulf: Biblical Imagery and Symbolism by Heidi Moyer

            Throughout Beowulf, biblical imagery and symbolism runs rampant. The epic poem reflects Christian culture in astonishing ways, intertwining with the concepts of Norse mythology. The purpose of this paper is to reveal the ways the living word of God has impacted the earth that God has masterfully created, and the unbelievable way he chose to save his dying world despite the attempts of the devil.

            The poem begins with the genealogy of the warriors and kings. Interestingly enough, this parallels Matthew 1, as Matthew records Jesus line from Abraham to Joseph, Jesus’ earthly father. After this, the story dives right into the biblical story of Cain and Able found in Genesis 4. The tale reveals that Cain killed his brother and was cursed forever by God, then goes on explaining that the evil, condemned Grendel was the offspring of Cain and a she-demon (Heaney 9). 

            “All were endangered; young and old were hunted down by the dark death-shadow who lurked and swooped in the long nights on the misty moors; nobody knows where these reavers from hell roam on their errands (Heaney 13).” This passage eloquently symbolizes what Paul the apostle of Christ said in Romans 3:23, “For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” No matter what race, gender, or language every human except for Jesus Christ, has succumbed to the dark powers of sin represented by Grendel at this time. The quote also alludes to the mysterious nature of the hellish creatures.

            When Grendel seemed too much for the Danish people they turned to their pagan idols instead of turning to the one true God for aid in their time of trouble.  They even went as far as asking the devil for help, “The Almighty Judge of good deeds and bad, the Lord                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   God, Head of the Heavens and the High King of the World, was unknown to them (Heaney 15).” The people turning from God to the extent that they no longer know him is similar to the way the Israelite s often turned away from God when his timing and plan was not what they wanted.

            When Beowulf first came to assist the Danes against the emanate evil he was approached at the shore by the danish coastguard. The coastguard officer asked what their business there was and Beowulf responded saying, “I can show the wise Hrothgar a way to defeat his enemy and find respite-- if any respite is to reach him, ever. I can calm the turmoil and terror in his mind. Otherwise, he must endure woes and live with grief for as long as his hall stands at the horizon, on its high ground (Heaney 21).” The response Beowulf gives is intrinsically significant to him as a Christ figure. First, he talks of how he can reveal to Hrothgar how he can defeat his enemy, this is similar to the way Christ offers Christians a way to defeat Satan by accepting his free gift of salvation for humanity. Also just as Beowulf gives Hrothgar a choice to accept his help, Christ has given everyone free will  to choose his way or go their own way which ultimately leads to destruction. Beowulf warns Hrothgar in this passage that if he fails to obtain the relief he is offering he will suffer. In addition, this

passage unveils Heorot as a symbol of the king's pride. This is vital to the story because it marks the beginning of Beowulf's triumphs over evil.

            The epic continues as Beowulf declares before Hrothgar, “I hereby renounce sword and the shelter of the broad shield, the heavy war-board: hand-to-hand is how it will be, a life-and-death fight with the fiend (Heaney 31).” This allegation is an act of self sacrifice,  which is a key element in the character of a Christ figure. Beowulf retains this attitude as he enters into each of his battles against evil, making it a prominent theme throughout this piece of literature. This section also alludes to the uselessness of worldly weapons in the realm of spiritual warfare.

            “...[Beowulf's] whole company of sea-rovers at rest beside him. None of them expected he would ever see his homeland again or get back to his native place and the people who reared him (Heaney 47).” Clearly, the reference to his men being at rest beside him is comparable to the  scene in Matthew 26:38-45, where Christ prayed with his disciples in the garden and they fell asleep leaving him to prepare for his suffering alone. In addition, this passage displays the doubt and the lack of faith Beowulf's men posses. Equivalently, Jesus disciples exhibit these same traits when Jesus is taken captive.

            “The captain of evil discovered himself in a handgrip harder than anything he had ever encountered in any man on the face of the earth. Every bone in his body quailed and recoiled, but he could not escape (Heaney 51).” Beowulf's power is perfectly illustrated as he grips Grendel's grotesque arm. John 1:5 says, “And the light shines on in the darkness, but the darkness has not mastered it (NIV).” This is a definite image of good's victory over evil and darkness and is major theme throughout the chronicle.                                                                            

            God loved the world so much that he sent down one man, his son to rescue it according to the third chapter of John. If Christ had not come into the world all of humanity                                                                                     

would have become devoured by corruption and sin. Jesus arrival on earth is an event that has long been for told, and anticipated. He was chosen as the only one who could accomplish the task set before him by God. “Grendel had cruelly killed more, had not mindful God and one Man's daring prevented that doom (Heaney 71).” This concept is relevant because it show how, like Christ, Beowulf came out of seemingly nowhere to deliver the people.

            “You have won renown: you are known to all men far and near, now and forever (Heaney 85).” This quote is spoken by Wealhtheow, the king's wife after Beowulf's courageous victory over Grendel. These words are particularly impactful because it gives Beowulf a sense of permanence and an eternal essence. Even though he will eventually pass away he will always be in the hearts of the ones who loved and adored him.

            At the end of the epic when Beowulf is fighting his final battle he knows it will be his last, and that in the end his strength will fail him. Never the less, he fights fearlessly. One of his soldiers, however, comes to his aid when he is in need. Wiglaf fights with him and they kill the dragon which has been oppressing the people. As Beowulf reaches his end he commissions Wiglaf and gives him specific instructions regarding his burial. This scene is extremely similar to the one found in the beginning of the book of Acts, as Jesus commissioned his disciples before he ascended into heaven to sit at the right hand of God. 

            It is amazing how literature unveils the grace of God and his unmatched love for humanity. The poem Beowulf is a story which has withstood the test of time and created beautiful mental images with its eloquent language. Christianity and Norse mythology have united to form this inspiring masterpiece.

Works Cited

Heaney, Seamus, and John D. Niles. Beowulf: an Illustrated Edition. New York: W.W. Norton, 2008. Print.

Holy Bible: New International Version, Chocolate/pink, Italian Duo-tone. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2007. Print. 

Christian Symbolism in Lord of the Rings by Heidi Moyer

           The Lord of the Rings is embedded heavily with Christian symbolism which Tolkien masterfully uses to reach the secular world. The symbolism is evident in the landscape, various action carried out by characters, and the journeys they take. J.R.R. Tolkien implants most of his symbolism into his Christ figures and Satan figures. Tolkien, author of the trilogy, uniquely interlaced elements of his faith in with his masterpiece of literature. This is a powerful tale with moral values used every day and the truth of the gospel.

            A prominent example of symbolism is the Ring. The Ring represents slavery, corruption and the desire to sin. It causes a strong desire within anyone who comes in contact with it. Throughout the story the Ring affects each character in some way, or has some significance to them. For instance, Frodo must bear the heavy burden of the ring for the entirety of the journey; Gollum is enslaved by the Ring even after he no longer possesses it, and the fate of Galadriel’s world lies in the fate of the Ring. Overall this symbol embodies the core of the major themes in these books.

            Another significant symbol is resurrection. The most of the main characters experience some kind of death, resurrection and ascension. One particular instance of this was when Gandalf the Grey falls into Moria and is thought to be dead for some time, then miraculously comes back as Gandalf the White. This represents Jesus sacrifice on the cross, his death, resurrection and

ascension into the clouds. To have so many characters experience this, truly makes a statement and reiterates the presence of Tolkien’s faith in his novels. After each character is subjected to the death phase of their journey the come back stronger and greater than they have ever been.

            Pure water is another symbol Tolkien used throughout his trilogy, representing life and the afterlife. This is specifically shown when Gandalf and Aragorn narrowly escape death and fall into a pool of water. It is also shown when Boromir, after his death is sent off on a boat down the river symbolizing him going on into his next life. In the Bible, water also has significant meaning. One parallel to this is when a person is baptized; they become a new creation in Christ and start a new life.

            The last example of symbolism is the barrenness of the land while Sauron roamed Middle-Earth. The land began looking dry and dead and it got worse as Sauron overtook the Shire. This is an amazing picture of what happens to humans when evil consumes the heart and soul. It can also be compared to when God cursed the earth after Adam and Eve sinned and tarnished its perfection.  The cures on the Earth will last until Christ’s second coming as the desolation in Middle-Earth lasted until the hobbits took back the Shire. This is hope for Christians who are waiting for the Earth to be made new when Christ comes again.

            The symbolism sends Tolkien’s message across with a brilliant accuracy. He used his moral principles as a guide while writing in order to introduce concepts which are relevant in society and can be used to improve the morals of citizens today. Thoroughly, using all elements from the story, he illustrates the gospel in this creative and inventive way.  Tolkien influences and helps shape our culture through his works. 

The Rain by Heidi Moyer

As she awoke and looked upon thy yonder window frame

She gave a start and lost much heart as she stared into the rain.

Sleep almost over whelmed her as she stared into the gloom

The rain and gloom engulfed the room as she looked on with despair.

She began to pray for she could not play that day to her dismay

So she got out of bed with a toss of her head

Trying to hide the despair inside, for inside she cried.

The rain and gloom engulfed the room as she looked on with despair.

She read in the nooks with her comforting books

For she thought she could hide

From what she knew was just out side.

The rain and gloom engulfed the room as she looked on with despair.

The Maiden by Heidi Moyer

The angles look with caring eyes

As the maiden looks upon the skies

On the sands of the beach

She watches and waits, 

Eyes filled with hope and love.

As the sunsets glowing rays 

Engulf the ever growing days

Full of troubles and delays

Ted Dekker Biography by Heidi Moyer

          Living among cannibals in the jungles of Indonesia, isn’t where you would expect to find a budding author. This however, is the condition in which Ted Dekker was brought up. As missionaries, his family was constantly in danger but with much persistence, befriended the village people and dwelt with them. Witchcraft and death thrived in this ominous place which provided inspiration for Dekker’s writing later on.

            At the age of six he was separated from his family, attending a coastal school for months at a time. The culture in which he lived forced him to rely on his imagination to create his own world. Later, he left Indonesia to attend a multi-cultural high school and following that he studied Philosophy and Religion in the United States.

             In his early adult life Dekker climbed the corporate ladder then experimented in the field of the entrepreneur. After experiencing a variation of carriers, including healthcare service and marketing, he was inspired by a friend to write. Ted Dekker then recognized his gift and threw himself into his storytelling. His stories are diverse, covering impossible situations filled with suspense, romance and fantasy. Once he became successful he sold his company and moved to Western Colorado and began writing for a living. Dekker’s thrilling novels have now sold over five million copies and two of his stories were made into movies. Now he lives in Austin, Texas with his wife and two daughters.

Man or Monster? - Frank Peretti by Heidi Moyer

            “Just when you think you have things figured out, Peretti’s imagination takes you down an unexpected route, a trap door opens, and you realize there are more layers to the story than you imagined.” (WestBow Press) Frank E. Peretti is an influential writer who draws from his torturous past to create stories which leave the minds of his readers reeling and their hearts searching. From the beginning, the life of Peretti has been fraught with trials, but he has chosen to trust God with all his soul in times of trouble and prosperity. He has sold over twelve million copies of his suspenseful supernatural thrillers. To accompany his novels he has devised a children’s series, as well as a narration of bible stories. One of Peretti’s most anticipated works, Monster, was released in 2005 in which he asked some difficult questions concerning the theory of evolution, while telling of the adventures the Sheltons had. His main objective in Monster was to have his readers look at evolution at face value and realize its flaws without being didactic, as many Christian writers are.  The ideas and truths Peretti has orchestrated into his novels are extremely relevant in today’s world and have already touched many lives. He mentioned in an interview that, after reading Tilly, a high school girl let her baby live instead of going through with her previous decision to have an abortion. These are the type of personal rewards and victories some writers only dream of. Peretti has made them into reality as he lives his life to make a difference so that others might live.

            Frank Edward Peretti was born January 13, 1951 in Canada to his loving parents Gene and Joyce. Intriguingly, his enticement with monsters began with a birth defect called cystic hygroma. He underwent his first operation was when he was two months old. However it would not be his last and he would endure many more painful surgeries on his tongue. Along with the medical aspect of this defect, his parents and brothers were in constant prayer over him and even took him to a healing service where Oral Roberts, a famous evangelist, lifted him up to God. Throughout his childhood, this disease caused him much pain because of the hurtful and senseless teasing about the darkly colored tumor which formed in his tongue. The resulting speech impairment made it extremely difficult at school. His smaller stature did not help his situation and he quickly became a target. “I really got into monsters, because monsters could control their situation. They were ugly; they were outcast. I could identify with that, because I felt like I was a monster too” (Peretti, CBN). Later on he had a surgery which enabled him to speak more clearly and fit in better. As a gift, one Christmas his parents gave him a wooden dummy named Jerry. He used it as a source of entertainment and comfort because it did not judge him but helped him cope with life. Following his high school graduation he made an attempt at the Christian music ministry, and tried many other things such as carpentry, a ski factory

   worker, and even pastoring before he found his true calling, writing. He attended UCLA to study English, screen writing, and film to prepare him for this endeavor. Somewhere in this chaotic search for purpose he found and married his love, Barbara, in 1972. He now lives with her in his home in northern Idaho, along with their two fun-loving dogs, and continues to write his spellbinding books.

            In addition to the constant novel writing, Peretti’s current hobbies are “playing the banjo, flying, bicycling, and clearing trails in the woods and astronomy”. One of his favorite stories right now is the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and he recognized, “the movie as nothing short of a major landmark.” Presently, Frank Peretti is immersed in making films out of his books, and has already done this with Hangman’s Curse and Visitation. These were both great successes and he plans on pursuing this industry with more of his works.

            God has gifted Peretti since his youth, with an innate story telling ability, which led to his vast number of successes in the industry. Besides his widely known adult fiction thrillers, he has created a teen series, a non fiction grouping of books, and the Wild and Wacky Bible Stories.

             His adult fiction is comprised of heart-stopping suspense thrillers normally involving meaningful Christian messages. Peretti, in his books, often moots topics such as abortion, evolution, and foundational Christian principles.  His novels include Tilly (1988), Prophet (1992), The Oath  (1995), The Visitation (1999), Darkness Prophet (2003), Monster (2005), The Present Darkness (2005), and House (with Ted Decker 2006). Visitation was easily one of his finest works was recognized by the CBA best sellers list.

            One of Peretti’s early influences was the renowned Walt Disney, because of his marvelous story telling abilities. “Some people read stories as a ‘receptor’. I read stories as a ‘creator’” Peretti states. When he reads a book or watches a film he really dissects it, picking apart why the story kept his interest and what makes it tick. A favorite author of Peretti is Michael Crichton; however, he gathers information as he goes and attempts to glean from everyone’s knowledge. In the book of proverbs, written by Solomon who was the wisest man in the world, it is said that, “listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise”. (Proverbs 19:20) This verse describes Peretti because he considers all types of counsel when writing a story.  

            In his appeal to the children of this generation, Peretti has created a series of recordings which vary in theme, but are all applicable in the Christian walk. For instance, one theme is jealousy, and in his animated way he performs a fable with a moral. He makes the experience enjoyable and memorable. Peretti thoroughly understands the importance of bringing up the next generation in the Lord.

            This Present Darkness and Piercing the Darkness are inspirational and thrilling tales written by Peretti. They involve the lives of the people in two different towns and the demons and angels fighting for the very souls of the people. He tells of the anguish of the dwellers of the community as they fight against other Christians verses the demon possessed and otherwise brainwashed. These books demonstrate the power of prayer as God’s people cry out to him for safety and protection. God’s supreme power and authority are also proven when the Christians are able to bring demons out of the people in Jesus Christ’s name. Miraculous works are also accomplished, and in the end Heaven has its victory and Satan is put back into his place.

            In The Wounded Spirit, Peretti recounts his hell-like childhood. He tells of the unbearable abuse he endured and the ways in which he dealt with his terrible fate. He shares his family’s loving commitment to him and his health. Besides his own story, he revisits the Columbine tragedy, where two wounded spirits, Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold, had massacred several students enrolled in their high school. Proverbs 18:14 states, “The spirit of a man will sustain him in sickness, but who can bear a broken spirit.” Eric and Dylan had been wounded deeply by the abuse they had received from their classmates and did not know how to deal with it. It is also likely that those two boys did not know about Jesus Christ who loves them and thus they gave up for lack of hope. Peretti insistently stresses the importance of reaching out to these precious people and not simply watching as they fall into despair. 

            Frank Peretti had been asked, in recent years, to give a speech on his childhood experiences with bullying at a conference. The results of the conference were more than he could have hoped and it has struck a nerve in a vast majority of hearers. When Doctor James Dobson heard it, he had his wife listen to it as well, and they decided it needed to be broadcast on Focus on the Family. After the broadcast even more responses came in, making it very clear that bullying was a universal problem. “If devaluing human life- and thereby mocking God’s creation- is wrong, why do so many do so little to stop it. Worse yet, why do so many participate as part of the problem?” Peretti clearly proves here that bullying has always been wrong.

            In the pages of The Wounded Spirit, Peretti suggests that by accepting evolution one denies the existence of God, and that by denying God one denies the need for moral rightness. When one is exempt from moral excellence there is no peace and the world will overflow with mayhem and destruction. As a result humans live corrupt, evil lives away from  their heavenly Father.

            The book Monster was wonderfully written by Frank Peretti. The two protagonists, who were present throughout the novel, are Rebecca (Beck) and Reed Shelton. They start out on a trip to a cabin to enjoy new experiences, learn, and grow as individuals. Unfortunately, this seemingly innocent trek into the woods results in the devastating capture of Beck by a monster. The reader eventually find out that this monster is the byproduct of the antagonist, Professor Adam Burkhardt, who is a scientist involved in the mutation of DNA in chimpanzees. The professor had been trying to cover up for the destruction his beasts had caused. However this could no longer be kept secret, because the monsters had kidnapped Beck. Reed, grieved by his wife’s absence, frantically searched for her with the help of his loyal friends Sing, Cap, and the police force. Many times the persistent rescue team came close, but the clan of monsters quickly whisked Beck away.

            From Beck’s side of things, the monster that captured her, Rachel, now treats her like its child. It feeds her, carries her around on its enormous, hairy back, and defends her when she is threatened by the others. Rachel’s personality proves to be that of a loving protector contrary to her beast-like appearance.

             While Cap is looking for any sign of Beck he stumbles upon an appalling sight. He finds the laboratory of the professor, which contains cells filled with a gruesome assortment of beasts. These were the tortured creatures whose DNA had been tampered with and then cloned. However, one cell was discovered to have a large jagged opening in the rear. This had been the cell that belonged to the monsters which now roam freely. Finally, Reed locates, Beck but soon after, the couple is pursued by the professor who wants desperately to keep his actions hidden and the events that follow, from the rest of the world. When the professor corners them with a gun, Reed tells him that it is too late and everyone knows what is going on. He poses the question, “Professor, when that chopper lands, what are they going to find standing here? A man or a monster?” (Peretti 410). This question is interesting because, by trying to protect his creations, he became the very thing he had created, a monster. Soon after Reed spoke these convicting words, Rachel, the monster that had protected Beck, rescues the couple and brings them to the waiting arms of their friends.

            The most prominent theme in the book is evolution. Peretti implements this thesis in the story, “There is no such thing as beneficial mutation.” (Elliott paragraph 4) He later goes on to explain that his story is like most, in that it has scientists who mess with things in nature they have no business messing with. Another of Peretti’s goals for this book is that people would ask important questions about evolution, and that those questions would cause the reader to question the legitimacy of evolution. “We turn into monsters because evolution takes away everything that makes us human in the sense of our moral accountability, our moral absolutes, and our idea of being distinct from the animal kingdom.” (Elliott paragraph 8) This truth is one of the reasons evolution is such an important topic for Peretti; it takes away from the fact that God made us in his image.

            Some of the other minor themes of the book are survival, desperation, and love. Survival is a theme because Rebecca and Reed start out on a journey to enlighten themselves on how to survive with out their creature comforts and get out of their normal routine. Another reason it is a theme is because Beck must now put what she knows to the test to survive with the clan of monsters. The next theme, desperation, is present from the very beginning when the hunter/professor desperately tries to hide the remains of a strangled man near a logging site in order to keep his experiments a secret. Beck and Reed are desperate to reunite with each other. Also the monsters are frightened and desperate to escape their human pursuers. The last minor theme is love, because it is Reed’s love for Beck that keeps him searching, even when she is presumed dead, until he finds her. Also, Rebecca’s monster had loved her like her child and had protected her always. 

            Frank Peretti’s writing is unlike the normal Christian speculative writing. He works his love for the mysterious and the thrilling into his calling to bring truth to the surface and let it be evaluated for what it is. His past, though stricken with grief, has aided many with similar wounds stored in their hearts and souls. He has also allowed his past to influence his writing, thus making his books all the more valuable. Despite his hardships, Peretti has stood firmly by Christ his Creator and the lover of his soul. He has appealed not only to the adult world but also to the teens and children of this generation.  Frank Peretti is a phenomenal writer whose influence will leave a legacy for other Christian writers and people as well.

Comparison of William Yeats and E.E. Cummings

           On June 13, 1865, a literary genius was born in Dublin, Ireland. His name was William Butler Yeats. William was born to Susan Mary Pollexfen and John Butler Yeats, who was deep in the process of becoming an accomplished lawyer when he married Susan. John quickly gave up this endeavor for his true passion, art. Susan was the daughter of a wealthy family from the county Sligo; she was the first to introduce William and his sisters to the native Irish folktales that he would later thrive upon.  

            When young William reached the age of two his family moved from Ireland to London, England. In London, he attended the Godolphin school. After a few years in London the Yeats family moved back to Dublin. At a young age, he was strongly encouraged by his father to read the influencing works of Dante Alighieri, William Shakespeare, John Donne and William Blake, who later became Yeats’ literary heroes. He attended Erasmus Smith High School and later spent time in his father’s art studio. There his love for art grew and drove him to join the Metropolitan School of Art in 1884.

            During his life William Yeats moved between his home in Dublin and London where he often attended lectures or meetings. He also took the time to visit the British Museum of Natural History. In 1903, Yeats joined his first lecture tour in the United States which would be followed by several other tours of the like. With the help of his sisters, Yeats started the Cuala Press which printed authors such as Ezra Pound, Elizabeth Bowen, and his brothers Jack and John Yeats. At the age of forty-six, he met and married Georgie Lees who bore him two children.

            William Yeats had a profound writing style which was influenced by many people, places, and things. Two of the most influential people were James O’Grady and Sir William Ferguson who inspired his writing. “Yeats’ works drew heavily on Irish mythology and history^[1].” Also, many of his early dramatic works showed his respect for the Irish legends.  Yeats was not only influenced by Irish culture, but by Japanese Noh plays and modernism as well. Many of his writings covered topics of “life in contrast to art and beauty in mundane.^[2]”

            The era of modernism in which Yeats lived was an era concentrating on life, art, and the sciences. Life was a popular topic, of the philosophical studies being preformed near the beginning of the eighteenth century and through the mid nineteenth century. Life has been and will continue to be an unfathomable mystery. Another aspect of philosophical study was art. Art has taken many different forms like paintings, sculptures, music and several other types or interpretations of art. Mainly, art is birthed by a person’s strong emotion. Science has seemed to be a modernist answer to the unanswered questions of the world. The people living in the modernist era did not go back to the old religions, which had guided them through the ages, but now they second guessed or eliminated the old. Another great mind who was also living during this interesting period in history was E.E. Cummings.

            On October 14, 1894, in Cambridge, Massachusetts a profound literary scholar named E.E. Cummings was born. In his later years, he attended Cambridge Public School which marked the beginning of his beneficial years of learning. Once he reached college age, Cummings attended Harvard to study Greek along with other languages. When he was in college he was introduced to the works of Ezra Pound, who was a significant influence in his works. Because of his love for the childhood he left behind one of his most famous poems, “In Just” came into existence. He used his father’s pastoral background to preach through his poems. After college he volunteered for the Norton-Harris Ambulance Corps where he met William Brown who became a close friend. In 1917, William Brown and E.E. Cummings were imprisoned for their pacifist beliefs. When he was released he married his first wife and worked on painting and writing for six years, before he and his wife were divorced. After that his father died and his mother was injured.  Cummings then married Anne Barton. The marriage unfortunately came to an abrupt ending, and Cummings divorced her as well. Cummings then traveled the world but his mother’s unfortunate death brought him back home where, fifteen years later, he collapsed a from cerebral hemorrhage on September 3, 1962 he died.

            E.E. Cummings’ phenomenal writing style has changed poetry forever. In my opinion, the way he plays with the language is a trade mark of his work. He is also well known for his ability to “describe the chaotic immediacy of sensuous experience^[3].” He was influenced by Gertrude Stein’s syntactical and Amy Lowell’s imagistic experiments. He has modernistic artistic innovations and many of his poems take a gleeful and precocious tone.

            William Butler Yeats and E.E. Cummings were brilliant, knowledgeable writers as well as modernist painters, who were both influenced by numerous people, places, and things. All of this influence and emotion seeped into the beautiful poems we now hold so dear. They do, although, have their differences. For example, E.E. Cummings was, in my opinion, a risk taker while Yeats went more along the classical lines. Both of these poets intertwine the lines of their poetry so differently but creatively which cause them to complete one another. 

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^[1]  *http://www.online-literature.com/yeats/

^[2]  *http://www.online-literature.com/yeats/

^[3]  *http://members.tripod.com/~dwipf/cummings.html

Reviews: The Great Divorce C.S. Lewis By Heidi Moyer

          C. S. Lewis wrote The Great Divorce with the intent of portraying the inevitable consequences of day-to-day behaviors. A constant theme flowing through the pages of this book was, “Evil can be undone, but it cannot ‘develop’ into good.” (TGD pg. VIII) No length of time will make it go away, however if evil is unwound like a ball of yarn, piece by piece it can be undone and turned to good. Lewis expressed his feelings concerning false faith and things of that sort. He also critiqued the culture and art of that time. There were also individuals and people criticized. He included all this in his engaging fantasy about one man’s trip through Heaven and Hell.

            The protagonist was first met on a rainy afternoon at a bus stop. There was a vast variety of people present. Some seemed to be irritable while some seem eager to please others. A few appeared to be restless and ready to pick a fight. Then the bus pulled up, it shone with a blazing golden glow that was unimaginable. The driver himself had an air of authority and light shining through him. Once in the bus they flew off and soon came to the grey town otherwise known as the valley of the shadow of death. There was something peculiar about the town, it was covered with houses as far as the eye can see, but it was sparsely populated. The people of this town were incredibly quarrelsome. Within twenty-four hours neighbors would move away from each other, and the cycle continues forever. In this town the people do not have any needs because one only has to think of something and it is there. However, nothing is real. A house could be there but it could not keep out rain. It is a spiritual city. “When the daylight comes, comes in the light.’ And that passion for ‘real’ commodities which our friends speak of is only materialism, you know. It’s retrogressive. Earth-bound! A hankering for matter.” (TGD pg. 16) This quote reveals how one got a taste of something real such as light; it puts a desirous feeling in a person to crave material positions.  

            After the bus riders left the city they came to beautifully indescribable and large expanse, this country was known as the valley of the shadow of life. “It made solar system seem indoor”. (TGD pg. 20) Also everything there brought the word solid to a new level because everything they had previously known to be solid now seemed a poor substitute for the solid of this land. Once the people on the bus got off they all seemed like phantoms or smudges on a painting. They were like “man shaped stains on the brightness of the air”. (TGD pg. 20) The flowers seemed to have the strength or hardness as diamonds. Even the leaves were unable to be picked up. Then the bright beings that were strong, solid, and smooth skinned came up to meet the ghost like people who shook in terror. A being went up to each person it was someone which they had known that had past on. They talked to the ghosts about their lives and things they needed to adjust. Some listened and followed the beings while others went back to the grey town. The ones who went into the mountains became solid over time. Once they became solid they could travel throughout the country and up into the deep Heaven or mountains with ease.

            The man’s teacher, George McDonald said, “Ye cannot know eternal reality by a definition. Time itself, and all acts and events that fill Time, are the definition, and it must be lived.” (TGD pg. 141) This quote expresses that one cannot explain or interpret eternal reality with words; instead they have to live it out. His teacher then told him that he had yet to make those decisions and that he was in a dream. After that he woke up in a cold room with the clock striking three o’clock.

            In this engaging fable, Lewis incorporated his feelings concerning false faith. “One will say he has always served his country right or wrong; and another that he has sacrificed everything to his art.” (TGD pg. 70) This example of a false faith was extreme patriotism. This can be a false faith because if someone feels very strongly about their country and will do anything for it, it can become an obsession. One could even go to the extent of worshiping their nation’s leader. Also, some people serve their country whether or not it was morally right or not. Another form of false faith acknowledged in this book is self-love. The main fault of this choice of religion or belief was that it was usually to the disadvantage of others. Another false religion was art. Art can become an idol or an object of worship when one puts all of their time, energy, and money into it. Lust cannot as easily become a religion because, “Lust is a poor, weak, whimpering, whispering thing compared with that richness and energy of desire which will arise when lust has been killed.” (TGD pg. 114) It just sneaks its way into people’s lives.

            Lewis critiqued the culture of his time. He talked about communism and capitalism, stating that, “Capitalism did not merely enslave the workers, it also vitiated taste and vulgarized intellect: hence our educational system and hence the lack of ‘Recognition’ for new genius.” (TGD pg. 7) This quote was packed with Lewis’ feelings about government criticism and criticism of the educational system. He suggests that capitalism has ruined intellectual opportunities thus the condition of the deteriorating public school system. Because our school system was so poor, true genius was not being recognized.   

            Lewis criticized different people and groups of people in this book. In the beginning of the book Lewis described some of the characters, comparing their different personalities. The first group he criticized was people who were intellectually minded that believed to have no sin. However this is what Lewis said to them, “Do you really think there are no sins of intellect? There is indeed, Dick. There is hide-bound prejudice, and intellectual dishonesty, and timidity, and stagnation. But honest opinions fearlessly followed--they are not sins.” (TGD pg. 36). Another group he criticized was people who believe they did not need God. In one interview a Ghost said, “I gone straight all my life. I don’t say I was a religious man and I don’t say I had no faults, far from it. But I done my best all my life, see? I done my best by everyone, that’s the sort of chap I was.” (TGD pg. 27) This quote shows the attitude of one of the ghosts, he felt like he was just as good as the next guy or better. “I forgave him as a Christian, said the Ghost. But there are some things one can never forget.” (TGD pg. 89) In other interviews such as this one individuals struggled with forgiveness. The last group he criticized was people who were unforgiving to themselves and others. Christ forgave the worlds inhabitants even before they were born if they would accept His gift, so people need to be willing to forgive themselves as well as others. Lewis specifically criticized George McDonald, whose works and ways of thinking had a profound influence on him. In the book, Lewis states that Holiness is a quality evident in McDonald’s books.

            The Great Divorce shows traces of being influenced by post-modernism. “We simply found ourselves in contact with a certain current of ideas and plunged in to it because it seemed modern and successful.” (TGD pg. 36-37) This quote discussed ignoring the old ideas and jumping in to new ideas because they are new. “… and all the time it was apparently haunted by the terror of discovery” (TGD pg. 47-48) This quote states that sometimes it is hard to discover new things because it might prove the old things wrong.            

            Brilliantly, Lewis produced The Great Divorce. It is a tale that has turned the hearts of many to the Lord. He blended his critiques, compliments, and ideas perfectly. Lewis used his intelligence and writing techniques to explain his views of the after life.

Bibliography :

Lewis, C. S.Great divorce a dream. [San Fracisco]: HarperSanFrancisco, 2001.                                                                                                           

            

A Mighty Fortress Is Our God by Heidi Moyer

           The age old hymn A Mighty Fortress Is Our God has been sung by a collection of individuals. It was commonly vocalized by a number of different churches, nations and tongues. It was also sung for several occasions. One of said occasions was at the National Cathedral in Washington for President Eisenhower’s funeral. During seemingly hopeless times, missionaries on the verge of martyrdom have experienced strength, hope, and grace while warbling this tune. This piece of art has impacted people all across the globe because of the story of love it portrays through Christ Jesus.

            On November 10, 1483, Martin Luther was ushered into the world with a purpose, to change it. In Germany, his father had lived a life of a peasant, and as any father would, strived for his son’s success. Because of his fathers support, Martin received his Master’s degree from the University of Erfurt at age twenty-one. In a single day, history would be changed. For, on that day Martin Luther was caught in a furious thunderstorm, where lightning struck dangerously close to him. At that moment he vowed if he got out of the storm alive he would become a monk. So, he dropped out of college and became a monk, and began his training. Over the years, he learned from biblical text, which he constantly studied, and taught biblical truths as well as information concerning theology. Shortly after this period, Luther had a realization that forgiveness can not be bought or earned by good works and looking at the bones of saints. He also started on a minute level, to understand a fraction of God’s true love for us. October 31, 1517, when Martin Luther nailed the ninety-five theses to the church door in Wittenberg, Germany, was considered the birth of the reformation. In January 1521, Luther was excommunicated and regarded as a dangerous heretic because of his different beliefs. He became the widely known leader of the protest throughout Germany. He also translated the bible from Latin to German. Being stubborn and unwavering his views often clashed with those of other reformers. In 1525, he was united with Katherine von Bora in marriage, who bore him six children. On February 18, 1546, Germany mourned their protestant leader.

             Martin Luther was motivated to compose this meaningful piece by strong convictions concerning the power of sacred music. This patriotic hymn was derived from Psalm forty-six. By many it has been considered, “A majestic and thunderous proclamation of our faith [which] is a singing symbol of the reformation.^[1]” This tune has been referred to as the “Battle Hymn of the Reformation.”

            In 1529, when A Mighty Fortress Is Our God was created many other historical events were going on as well. For instance, on May 27 of that year the Ottoman Empire reached the uttermost peak of expansion, as it defeated Algeria. Also on August 5, The Peace of Cambrai was signed which settled the conflict between France and Spain.

            I deeply enjoyed the passionate expression of admiration for my Lord and savior which I reflected in this lyric. I affirm that this song manifests the struggle and victory in our journey as Christians and believers. I believe if one picks apart the piece they can find a deeper meaning that applies to them directly.

             While one is facing a trial the words in this song can be strength giving. One promise Christians hold dear in this proclamation of faith is the evil one’s doom is sure. God’s kingdom is forever.      

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^[1] http://tanbible.com/tol_sng/amightyfortressisourgod.html

Reviews: The Screwtape Letters C.S. Lewis by Heidi Moyer

            The Screwtape Letters, a story concocted by the renowned author C.S. Lewis features the character of a wise old demon known as Screwtape. The tale contains a collection of letters between him and his young nephew Wormwood, who is a novice demon in charge of securing the damnation for a young man referred to as the patient. The letters which the book consists of are filled with advice from Screwtape to his nephew concerning the patient’s spiritual condition. During different segments of the book Screwtape made points regarding Christianity some of which I agreed with. However, there are some points with which I disagree.

            “They are creatures of that miserable sort who loudly proclaim that torture is too good for their enemies and then give tea and cigarettes to the first wounded German pilot who turns up at the back door.” This quote is saying that in our minds we create a hatred for our enemies yet when we see a fellow human in distress compassion is brought to the surface our hearts.  This is one point made by Screwtape which I happen to agree with.  James 5:11 says, “…the Lord is full of compassion and is merciful.” and if God made us in his image according to Genesis 1:26, then we were made with compassion and mercy embedded in our hearts and souls through Christ.

            Another Screwtape quote states, “By the very act of arguing, you awake the patient’s reason, and once it is awoke, who can foresee the result?” I agree with this quote because even if the patient was very weak in his faith he would probably get defensive if he was challenged. It would awaken his logical reasoning which I believe would point him to God. I think that is what Screwtape meant when he said, “…who can foresee the result?” When a human investigates Christianity and God it leads them to the truth of Him.

            There were also points where I disagreed with Screwtape concerning Christianity.  “It was, I imagine, at the stage in the interview that ‘Our Father’s’ disgust at such an unprovoked lack of confidence caused him to remove himself an infinite distance from the Presence with a suddenness which has given rise to the ridiculous Enemy’s story that he was forcibly thrown out of Heaven.” On the contrary, scripture states in Ezekiel 28:16-17, that Satan is prideful in his beauty as an angel and sins, so God casts him and his followers out of heaven. I believe Satin’s version of the story is invented to make it sound like Satan is in control, and left Heaven instead of being exiled.

            Secondly, Screwtape is terribly mistaken when he argues, “Desiring their freedom, He therefore refuses to carry them, by their mere affections and habits, to any of the goals which he sets before them: He leaves them to ‘do it on their own’.” This quote implies that God creates us, set goals for us and then left us to fend for our selves. . My proof that this statement is untrue lies in Hebrews 13: 5 which reads, “…I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you”. In my own personal life, I have always known that God is with me especially during the tough times. In fact, this book also opens my eyes to different spiritual perspectives that I have discovered in the story.

            A novel viewpoint I now aspire to guard myself against future temptations. By focusing on God and spending time in worship, study, and prayer .I also hope to protect myself by recognizing behaviors to stay away from as well as behaviors to cling to. An example of negative trait is lying while a positive virtue would be honesty.  The Screwtape Letters contains insightful and entertaining material, which has changed the lives of countless people.

An Abby Cover

Outside looking in (cover) Abby Moyer

This cover is so good she really gets into the song and her voice is perfection as always :)

You are More

Alli's cover of "you are more" by tenth avenue north

The State of Modern Slavery

On the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation, we look at how far we’ve come—and the work ahead.

Upon signing the Emancipation Proclamation 150 years ago this month, President Abraham Lincoln said, “I never, in my life, felt more certain that I was doing right than I do in signing this paper.”This historic document, issued on January 1, 1863, during the height of the Civil War, outlawed slavery in the Southern states and initiated the nation’s uphill trek to ban slavery in the United States entirely. It set the precedent for the 13th Amendment to the Constitution which declared, “Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude…shall exist in the United States.”Yet, 150 years later, slavery persists. Today, an estimated 27 million people in the world live as slaves—more than at any other time in history. Slavery has not been snuffed out; it has simply shifted into a more shadowy form: human trafficking.Human trafficking is modern-day slavery—where criminals buy, sell and trade human beings into the commercial sex industry and forced labor. It’s not just about transporting people; it’s about taking away their choices in life, stealing their innocence and exploiting them for gain. The average age of a victim is 12-14 years old.Many Americans do not realize human trafficking happens right here in the United States.—often right next door. Sex trafficking occurs in street prostitution, massage parlors, brothels, strip clubs and sometimes at truck stops. Over 17,500 victims are trafficked across U.S borders annually, and that doesn’t include U.S. citizens trafficked within their own country. According to the FBI, U.S. citizens account for approximately 33 percent of total victims in our nation. And the numbers are rising.Anniversaries are good times to reflect—to take stock of our lives and measure progress, not only as individuals, but also as a country. The historic anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation, like any important milestone, marks a great opportunity to see how far we’ve come and how far we still have to go.In 1809, adjusting for current monetary value, a slave was worth around $40,000. In 2009, a trafficking victim in the U.S. costs between $3,000 and $8,000, and globally, approximately $90, according to Dr. Kevin Bales, a consultant to the UN Global Program Against Trafficking in Human Beings and co-founder of the nonprofit, Free the Slaves.The slave trade of Lincoln’s day used to require significant investment from the traders of the time. Many dealt inhumanely with their captured victims, but kept them alive simply because it made financial sense. Distance and long-ocean voyages limited their supply and forced them to consider the longer-term.So what has changed in the last 150 years? Why are we seeing an alarming increase in modern slavery? Here are some of the factors that account for the rising number of trafficking cases today:Ready Supply: Today, anyone, regardless of race, age, gender or religion can easily become a trafficking victim, which skyrockets the available fresh supply. It also makes individuals “expendable.” With no shortage of ready replacements, traffickers maximize the abuse of their victims, uncaring about a relatively short “shelf life.”Easy Access: Human trafficking of foreign nationals is the most commonly known form of modern slavery, but traffickers look closer to home now, too. Why not grab the girl next door? Why not drive through a poverty-stricken neighborhood or check bus and train depots for runaways? Some traffickers even specifically target vulnerable areas in the aftermath of a disaster—like Hurricane Sandy—in order to snag children or young men and women. Children and parents can get separated, and it’s all-too-common for people to go missing and bodies to never be found. The abducted victims simply get added to the list of the missing.Big Money: Despite the illegality of human trafficking the world over, trading and selling human beings has become a darkly lucrative business worth over $32 billion—every year. According to the U.N.’s Office on Drugs and Crime, the business of human trafficking has surpassed arms smuggling and is second only to the illicit drug trade. Human trafficking is the fastest growing crime in the world. People can be sold repeatedly, whereas a drug can only be used once.Know-how: Traffickers are adept at finding weakness and exploiting the most vulnerable in our society. Their attacks can be physical, psychological, emotional or financial. They use force, fraud and coercion to manipulate. To a runaway who has already suffered abuse at home, a trafficker may play the role of a boyfriend or even a father figure. She might even be told to call him “daddy.” Additionally, traffickers take away choice. They know the words to say: You can’t leave. You can’t quit. Or someone you love will suffer. Besides, who would want you now? How long would it take hearing that to begin believing it?World Change Starts SmallWith such staggering statistics and rampant cruelty, it’s easy to be overwhelmed. But you can help one. Focus on that. One by one, we can all make a difference—and help people recognize what’s happening. To learn more, check out organizations like The A21 Campaign working to protect victims and prosecute traffickers in Europe and promote awareness and education in the U.S.; The International Justice Mission conducting international case work; The Polaris Project operating the   and compiling current legislation, state by state.Learn the signs of human trafficking. If something, anything, seems “off” to you, take that second look. You may well give a young girl a chance at a future of freedom, or prevent her from ever enduring such crushing misery in the first place.150 years after Lincoln’s landmark move against slavery, we still have work to do. It’s time to play our part.

~ Relevance Magazine

Love

"Love is like a friendship caught on fire. In the beginning a flame, very pretty, often hot and fierce, but still only light and flickering. As love grows older, our hearts mature and our love becomes as coals, deep-burning and unquenchable."
 ~Bruce Lee

Angel of Mine~ Origonal

Eyes of an angel, deep brown and fine
Searching my soul with a gaze into mine
Protecting arms surround my heart,
Holding me long into the night.

A tear trickles down my swollen cheeks
He gently wipes it away
"Am I good enough?"
 It's all I can say.

Then wanting to strip my pain away
He whispers in my ear
"Baby, you are all that I need,
Honey don't you fear"

One day I might believe it
But for now I'm scared to try.
I'm holding on so tightly
To his perfect angel eyes.

~Heidi Moyer

Falling Plates

Falling Plates

This is a very powerful and intimate explanation of Christ's love for every person on earth. It illustrates how he died to save us from death, eternal death. The video is narrated from the perspective of Jesus, and brought me to tears when watching it. 

Lost Generation

Lost Generation
This video has a strong message about our generation and how it will turn out if we don't step up and change the outcome. I won't be the Lost Generation.