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Finished 4/18
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4)

This was an academic read of Twain's satirical writings about Eden, the Flood, and Heaven, as well as critical commentary of some Christian doctrine and beliefs. Includes some previously unpublished material. Twain was an excellent example of a Christian, Presbyterian, who approached the Bible and doctrine with logical discernment.

My review on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2739953507

#MountTBR2019

I've been having internet issues lately, so sorry I haven't posted in a while. I have been enjoying this book quite a bit, but it hasn't been what I was expecting, at least until now. The first two sections were Twain's take on Adam and Eve and heaven, but now I have finally gotten to "Letters from the Earth," which is really why I wanted to read this compilation. Also, the essay mentioned in this blurb is included in the appendix.

"Leave your dog outside. Heaven goes by favor. If it were by merit, you would stay out and the dog would go in."

from "Etiquette for the Afterlife: Advice to Paine"

Happy #NationalPetDay from Han Solo, my scruffy nerfherder.

#dogsoflitsy

Diversity in heaven, according to Twain in "Stormfield's Visit to Heaven"

Twain's take on whether there is pain in heaven, from 'Stormfield's Visit to Heaven"

Twain's take on whether there is pain in heaven, from 'Stormfield's Visit to Heaven"

http://web.mit.edu/norvin/www/somethingelse/twain.html

"To be a patriot, one had to say, and keep saying, 'Our Country, right or wrong,' and urge on the little war. Have you not perceived that that phrase is an insult to the nation?"

"This republic's life is not in peril. The nation has sold its honor for a phrase. It has swung itself from its safe anchorage and is drifting, its helm is in pirate hands."

Leave it to Twain to suggest that poor spelling is a sign of superior intellect. I can get behind this theory. 😉😁

I'm slowly digesting this book, as I am giving myself all of Lent to finish it by Easter Sunday. It is more academic than I thought it would be, as each piece is prefaced with an essay on the history of its writing and publishing. I'd prefer more discussion of Twain's theological views than his editing, but it is still interesting.

Today is Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent. Instead of giving up something, I decided to read the tagged book. I tend to do this, choose something to do rather than do without, when Ash Wednesday falls on my birthday. I guess maybe I feel giving up my birthday for fasting and abstinence is enough. Lol So, my Papa Frank bookmark and I are ready to dive in and explore Twain's take on the Bible and Christianity. #LentRead #Catholic