Per Christum

I have been preoccupied with schoolwork, college apps, and a few other things for the past month, so I have not found time to post much on here. But I did read Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment, which was a real treat. The book is an absolutely fascinating study of human psychology and criminal behavior. It also contains an explicitly theological analysis of human sin, guilt, and redemption. It also contains subtle but powerful critiques of nineteenth-century liberalism. But, most importantly for a novel, it was entertaining and enjoyable up till the very end.

Henri de Lubac noted in his book The Drama of Atheist Humanism that Dostoevsky’s philosophical outlook is the perfect foil to Nietzsche’s. Given that the latter point of view is so influential in today’s academia and pop culture, readers of Crime and Punishment will be struck by the relevance of the book’s message.

There are some things in Crime and Punishment that betray a fully Catholic worldview on Dostoevsky’s part (although he was an Orthodox; the two are almost nearly the same). One of the most important themes of the book is the way in which theological communion with God and redemption from the depths of sin affect our relationship with the larger society. The main character, Raskolnikov, is emotionally isolated from his family and friends until he experiences a change of heart. His repentance and conversion “opens up the world,” so to speak, for Raskolnikov. He is only able to fully love his neighbors after he has disowned his sin and given himself over to the mercy of God. This illustrates the fact that religion is not merely a private thing done alone, but it has implications for the society at large. Indeed, Raskolnikov is not even able to bring himself to repentance if it wasn’t for Sonia’s support, love, and encouragement (Sonia is a symbol of the Church).

For those of you who have no clue about what I just said in the last paragraph, I encourage you to start reading Dostoevsky. His ideas and philosophy are born of pure genius, and his novels are entertaining. Certainly it is required reading for anybody who wishes to understand the Catholic worldview. As for me, I am currently beginning The Brothers Karamazov.