The Theology of (Bl)Augustine

There are two pages in the back of Natalie d'Arbeloff's just-launched book, The God Interviews, where, in small italic type, readers' comments are quoted. For those of us who read the Interviews in their original format, on Blaugustine, some of the names will be familiar, and we won't be surprised by the quotes. Here's one that pretty much sums it all up, from Dick:

"Now this is a God I might get along with. The only God with whom I'd want to share roomspace."

That's the first problem with religion - most of us we don't want to be in the same room as the God we were taught about. So is it possible to ask, afresh, who this guy is, anyway? This God the philosophers say has deserted us, the God who seems so remote and out of touch with 21st-century reality that more and more people describe themselves as "spiritual but not religious" so (I suspect) they won't have to admit to belief in an increasingly unbelievable deity?

Well, Augustine takes us along as she gets to know this suddenly quite approachable, t-shirted, rather long-haired and kindly God. And rather than fend off all the Big Questions she throws at him, he answers: sometimes enigmatically, but often directly and surprisingly. If there's one word to use to describe their dialogue, how about "refreshing"? Especially so for those of us who have asked these questions throughout our lives and gotten unsatisfactory, conflicting, or no answers at all from people who purported to understand and interpret "The Word."

It's not surprising, therefore, that Natalie d'Arbeloff's brilliant and touching comics appeal to the intellectual doubters out there. I just want to say that there's a lot here for people who DO describe themselves as believers but for whom - I'd guarantee - the meaning of life and God's relationship to human beings are still problematic. Augustine allows us to whine, complain, cry, and be cluelessly thick right along with her, while God remains compassionate, funny, patient, unpredictable, maddening, and - at times - wonderfully clear. Natalie's drawings are full of life and joy, and an inventiveness I am sure she doesn't take full credit for. I'm also not sure she'd call her work "theology" but in MY book, this is the only kind of God worth studying, and the only kind of theology worth taking to heart.

You can order a copy of Natalie's wonderful The God Interviews, for yourself or to give, right here.

The illustration above is a detail of a larger image, copyright 2004-2007 by Natalie d'Arbeloff

Comments

[Dick]

I am the 'certain Dick' (that could be phrased more happily, couldn't it?) whom Natalie quotes. I ought to identify myself as being neither particularly intellectual concerning matters spiritual nor in any reasonable doubt regarding, for me, the non-existence of God. But if anything were to counter the still, small voice that tells me that we have only each other in this vast & incomprehensible world, it would be Natalie's gentle part-Quaker, part-Krishnamurti depiction of God.

Natalie is a believer so a theology definitely underpins 'The God Interviews'. For me, however, it's Natalie's compassionate, redemptive view of humanity that provides this wonderful book with its power & glory. So, yes, reader - buy, buy!

[Natalie]

Beth, you've clearly expressed what I find so hard to do when I'm asked what this book is "about". To be the recipient of your gift of beautifully wrought insight is a privilege for which I'm deeply and admiringly grateful.

And 'Certain Dick' - no double entendre intended - I'm so proud that your non-doubting stance allows you to believe in me (alias Augustine), one whose grasp of reality is, at best, skewed. Thanks!

[beth]

Dick, I am so innocent sometimes I don't think of these things, so sorry, I've changed it! Thanks for commenting and clarifying!

Natalie, you are more than welcome.

[dale]

Oh, grand post. I have found myself completely unable to write about the book, though I love it.