Boethius and the Consolation

[ndeparis88]

I never thought I would be a part of a Philosophy class as an Electrical Engineering Major.

But as it turns out one of the classic masterpieces we read is about the Christian Philosopher Boethius and his chat with Lady Philosophy. I such great work of Faith and I honestly think it should be required reading.

But more over this is about one of the big questions of our Faith. If God is so good why does he let bad things happen to good people?

Not so much for Catholics but I think this book is something in which non believers should read in regards to claims they make against our faith.

What are your thoughts? Why should people outside the faith read it?

[MarkThompson]

Originally Posted by ndeparis88

I never thought I would be a part of a Philosophy class as an Electrical Engineering Major.

But as it turns out one of the classic masterpieces we read is about the Christian Philosopher Boethius and his chat with Lady Philosophy. I such great work of Faith and I honestly think it should be required reading.

But more over this is about one of the big questions of our Faith. If God is so good why does he let bad things happen to good people?

Not so much for Catholics but I think this book is something in which non believers should read in regards to claims they make against our faith.

What are your thoughts? Why should people outside the faith read it?

Incidentally, the Consolatio is precisely what Voltaire is parodying in Candide. Having read Candide first, it was a funny experience when I actually read those arguments presented straightforwardly by Boethius -- a little like finally seeing a movie that you've only seen parodied on the Simpsons.

[ndeparis88]

I thought because of reading the back of the edition I have that he gave up on being Christian but I was way off. But it made me enjoy the book more and I really wish I could have more time to read it again. At least the last chapter because that was a really heavy one.