The word "bulverism" derives from the fictional character "Bulver" - created by C.S Lewis himself, to portray people's tendencies of assuming the faults or wrongs of others without fully explaining the reasons for such fault. This dangerous tendency can be harmful for our well-being; in yesterday's essay "Meditation in a woodshed", our lack of balance between "looking at" and "looking along" leads to an unclear judgment of the other person. Like this, bulverism evokes unwanted arguments, tensions, and anger among brothers and sisters of Christ through short-sighted judgments.
One important point C.S Lewis talks about in the essay is the prevalence of bulverism throughout history, regardless of time, culture, and location. One example that shows the prevalence of bulverism is political ideologies throughout history. Communism, for instance, critiques capitalism in western societies, pointing out the faultiness of its governmental structure and negatives influences upon the people. However, Communism in turn is critiqued and criticized for its faulty governmental structure and negative influences on the people. This stream of never-ending critiques of ideologies shows the flaws that exist in every ideology. We people are finite beings living in God's infinite world - the best we can do is to provide others with clear, basic evidence to support his/her argument.
In class we also discussed many ways to prevent "bulverism" from occurring. One option offered by the class was to accept the our vulnerability to mistakes and remain humble. Another option was to focus on the provided information, rather than the actual person giving it. In a conversation there are so many biases, prejudices, and set beliefs that may prevent such constructive and open discussion. As stated in the essay, "Until Bulverism is crushed, reason can play no effective part in human affairs."
About Me
- David Ryou
- "I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else." -C.S Lewis
I think your thoughts on the connections between "Bulverism" and "Meditation in a Toolshed" are very intriguing and insightful. The common theme of the distorted views and communication that appears in these works points to Lewis's emphasis on these human issues as it relates to our learning. I also appreciate how you point out that these problems of judgment and understanding exist only not between people of different ideologies, but also between brothers and sisters in Christ within the realm of Christianity.
ReplyDeleteDavid, I too appreciate your insight and thoughts on bulverism. It truly is because of so many biases and prejudices that stop us from being able to rid ourselves of what C. S. Lewis calls bulverism. Another option of stopping bulverism is by simply staying in God's word. I find that when I am focusing on Scripture during the day, I am more prone through God's help to look at others through His love and with a deeper love than one I could ever give. Though I too am so able to come with "bulveristic" ideas, finding that the word of God is so powerful helps me understand more of my faults.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed how you brought our lesson from "Meditation in a toolshed" into our new reading! What you said about the lack of balance of looking at and looking along creating unclear judgements about another person is true. Sometimes its hard to remember that we are all brothers and sisters in Christ and we point fingers at each other and show no respect for one another. The solution of humility is great. If we were all a little more humble and aware that we aren't always right, then maybe remembering that we are all children of Christ will come easier.
ReplyDeleteI liked your explanation of how the 'looking along/looking at' relates to Bulverism. I didn't really get it in class but I was able to better understand it by reading this.
ReplyDeleteNicely synthesized, I like the way you connected "Meditations in a Toolshed" to this essay at the start. Perhaps, in addition to your comment that Bulverism has existed all throughout history, you could add that in our nominally "post-modern" culture today, since we give more legitimacy to each individual's judgment, it is easier to Bulverize today than ever before; if each person is right in their own respect just because "it works for them," then it is much easier to both dismiss someone because they don't line their thoughts up with ours, and also to accept that someone is right just by virtue of saying that they are right.
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