Neither, just horribly mixed up?
Posted by AnneM on October 11, 1997 at 21:54:55:
In response to St. John evil?, written by Mark on October 11, 1997 at 15:51:21
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] I've never seen St. John as neither particularly good nor evil.
] I suspect that CB is dealing with the Calvinistic attitude that one must deny yourself of the world before one can be happy. This seems to be a theme in "Jane Eyre." St. John is attempting to fulfil God's calling by denying himself of all happiness
I have to think about this, seems close but...
He must marry only someone who will join him in his denial of happiness. The fact that he cannot love her and she cannot love him only makes the match more perfect.
But he does say something about feeings growing in the future. So I think he realizes this type of marriage may not be right in God's eyes. maybe...
] So is he good or evil? I don't know. I suspect he is a good person who is trying his best to do what he thinks God wants him to do. I pity him more than anything else.
I wonder how St John (and others missed) the Be Attitudes? I have always been taught that "God is love". In my book in the introduction, this is touched on, so I won't go any further now. (not my own thoughts) However, CB does seem bitter in her life and pours it out through St John. She is making some kind of statement! I have known very few "cut and dry" people like St John, they make their own happiness. It's not like most people's! I wonder if they feel unworthy of other peoples love?
I also do not think St John is a good person. He misses totally, for his own selfish purpose, a basic tenet of Christ's teachings. (Which is my opinion is an openness based on loving one another)
I know everyone has a very personal opinion of faith, this is just mine. In fact, I sometimes forget to practice what I preach. Anyway, I will not be offended if anyone disagrees
:-)
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