In With the Old: The Old-School Theology of Bradstreet and Taylor

I should preface this blog with the following: I am not a theologian. I have never taken any seminars, participated in any reading circles, viewed any spiritually themed videos, nor taken any theology classes (except those required by the University of Sioux Falls), and finally, never read any theologically based books (again, except those required of me through the university). Therefore, take my ideas for what they are: a wondering aloud by just an average Christian.

With that out of the way, I can move onto my main point: the theological musings of Anne Bradstreet and Edward Taylor, and why I enjoy them. It seems to me that (at least, growing up and studying in the church and part of the world ((Iowa)) that I did) modern Christianity presents itself as having all the answers. People seem to seek out theological sanctuary not to begin a spiritual quest, but to receive a spiritual "how-to" guide to living a happy life. Instead of leading people along a spiritual pathway, modern Christianity seems to grab them forcefully and yank them down the road to righteousness.




In the poetry of Bradstreet and Taylor, servitude to the Christian God seems to take on a new face. Instead of seeking answers, Bradstreet and Taylor ask questions, and wonder aloud about the nature of a being who is apparently powerful enough to create the vivid reality that surrounds them. They seem content with not knowing, which is a stark contrast to how many Christians approach their faith today. For example, in Bradstreet's poem "Contemplations," she begins right off the bat with an acknowledgement of her own inability to understand,

      I wist not what to wish, yet sure thought I,
      If so much excellence abide below,
      How excellent is He that dwells on high,
     Whose power and beauty by His works we know?

I struggle to think of many modern Christians who would feel comfortable expressing a feeling of inadequacy or not-knowing. Taylor is similar in his thought, in his poem "Meditation 8 (First Series)" he questions both God's motivations in the salvation of humanity and the exact extent of God's powers. Again, in a modern world that is used to always having an answer for everything, it is refreshing to see these poets say "The hell if I know" (I am, of course, paraphrasing).

One final comment: there might be those of you who call it in response to my observations, "Well, what about Christian pop artists/musicians like Michale W. Smith, etc? Lyrics to their songs often profess similar expressions of awe and unknowing. Their music inspires many Christians worldwide." To that, my response is two-fold. One, many Christians who sing along to these songs may sing the lyrics without actually thinking about them/believing in what they say. My mother, for example, used to sing along with these songs all the time, yet expressed her belief in a known God rather then in an unknown. Second, I avoid listening to these such songs because, well, I hate them, so I am factoring them out of my ideas completely.

Thanks for reading.