Do some christians have a problem with Shakespear?

[diWarLord]

Some months ago a pasture burned some writing on HARRY POTTER,Lord of the Rings,and some shakespear work.

Now I know what problems you guys have with Harry,but what is bad about shakespear?

[Ann]

Hello again Di
I'm at a disadvantage here because I didn't see the story so I don't know what was burned. Some of Shakespeare is pretty graphic and sexual (in the original not the HS texts). Possibly that was the reason? I don't know of any general anti-Shakespeare Christian doctrine.

[LVV]

Aha! Finally a subject about which I have some knowledge!

During Shakespeare's time, Henry VIII was severing ties with the Catholic Church and creating the Church of England. Shakespeare was raised a Catholic and like most of the citizens of the day, did not welcome the monarch's interference in their religious practices. Shakespeare was very learned in the Bible and probably studied it from the Cranmer version -- the predecessor to the King James version.

Fundamentally, Shakespeare's works have generic Christian themes when Christian themes appear at all. In some works, there are distinctly Catholic overtones -- characters of friars and nuns, prayer to the saints, the sacraments, and a few references to purgatory. While not espousing the practice of protestantism or catholicism for fear of retribution from the Church of England, many of his works deal with the daily values and choices we all face -- whether or not they're "savory" -- as in lust, greed, apathy, caring for fellow man, good/evil, love, worship, prayer, and salvation.

I can't imagine why his works would be burned except for those who think the lust/sex/morality themes are too much, or for those who aren't too fond of Catholics. Beyond that, I can't even remotely see anything anti-Christian in his works with perhaps the exception of "Measure for Measure" which when aligned with biblical principles, equates to the movement from Old Testament law to New Testament Grace. Law, grace, and justice are still debated today in any religion.

Just my 42 cents worth....

LVV

[grandpa]

:) Hi Di, Way Up North: Grandpa Here, Way Down South. I have not read all of Mr Shakespeare's works, but they are all thought Provoking. I do not know of any Bible conflicks.
Here is a few interesting points. Years ago in college, we studied "King Lear". I remember vividly the phrase. "O How sharper than a serpents tooth it is to have a thankless child." I think this is correct, as I do not have a copy to check.

I made it a point last year to buy a copy of "The Merchant of Venice" to see what the big deal was about "The Pound of Flesh." If you have not read this work, it is very interesting once you get into it. It is vital for people to Read. Read What? Read a lot. Read Your Bible and make it a point to stay after it. It will be one of the Greatest Blessings in your life. I am reading at present "How to identify the antichrist". by Arthur E. Bloomfield. In reading this book, I have had to keep my bible at hand to read through what Mr. Bloomfield is teaching about. Read and Study--It will bless you greatly. Agape. Grandpa.:D :biggrin: :cool: