[gothic-l] Re: Dirk's dangerous amateurs

[dirk at SMRA.CO.UK]

--- In gothic-l at y..., keth at o... wrote:
> Dirk wrote:
>
> >It is always good to read the original, but as non-historian I am
not
> >qualified to interpret the original unfortunately. In fact, I think
> >there is nothing more harmful that non-professionals trying to
> >interpret historical sources and draw conclusions from text that
they
> >are unable to put in the right historical context.
>




Hi Keth,


> Dirk, are you a catholic?

No I'm not.

> This sounds exactly like the old catholic attitude that the
> scripture was only for the priests who had learned to read
> it correctly. The uneducated were then given different,
> "easier" books to read.
>
> Protestants have the opposite attitude, where everyone is
> a Bible reader and his own interpreter.


I am a protestant!




> Personally I think it much more fun to read the original
> books, if the language doesn't stop me. I think they
> were also written for anybody who could read them.


I think it is fun too and there is nothing 'dangerous' about reading
those texts. Putting those text into the right historical context and
applying the right philological methods, however, requires
considerable skill. In the past people tended to read ancient authors
as rendering complete and true historical accounts at least where it
fitted their pre-concerived theories. Only rigorous analysis, applying
 philological methods and a sound understanding of the historical
setting can reveal the historical truth in those accounts. At least
that is my opinion.




>
> Maybe we make many mistakes in places like this, and maybe
> there are too few teachers who can teach us. But the worst
> kind are those who do not recognize the good teachers and
> are unwilling to receive teaching from those who know.


I totally agree!



> God forbid we become like that. Let us periodically shift
> our viewpoints and try to look at things from other
> points of view. That is the best schooling.


Complete agreement here as well and may I add, let us be tolerant to
the view points of other people.

best regards
Dirk





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