Book #2: Reformation Spirituality

This is the first book I have read that has taken a distinctively Christian approach to English Literature. The author, Gene Edward Veith Jr., writes that ‘not only can Calvin help to interpret Herbert, but Herbert can help interpret Calvin…’ (p. 24) Herbert is certainly a poet worth studying in relation to his art, but beyond that, to how Christianity and creativity interact to produce beautiful poetry. Reformation Spirituality (ISBN: 0838750710) is a good guide to see that connection.

In the few weeks since I have been introduced to the poetry of Herbert, he has been a great comfort in my Christian walk. It is perhaps easy to think of Christianity as rigid because it is dogmatic; or while reacting to the modern over-inclination towards ‘feelings’ to want to uphold objectivity of truth over the subjectivity of emotions.

However, Veith Jr. shows from Herbert’s poetry that the spirit of the Reformation can be captured in poetry that appeals both to one’s mind and one’s senses. He traces a theological sequence in The Temple (Herbert’s collection of poems): the Law and its function of showing human beings their sinfulness without offering salvation, then Justification in the Person and Work of Jesus and an individual’s response, then the process of Sanctification where the Christian life is a constant battle between sin and God, spiritual despair and assurance of salvation, which culminates in death, then there is an injunction for the Christian to continue warring against the world just as the Church has historically done.

This book is very readable and helps to thread the various theological themes that are present in Herbert’s poetry. To understand Herbert, one needs to grasp the doctrines of the Reformation that he held dear. And to understand the Reformation, Herbert’s poetry sheds light on how the break away from the Catholic Church and the embracing of the doctrines of Predestination and Perseverance of the Saints give comfort and hope to a generation previously living in perpetually fear.

For the modern Christian, Herbert’s poetry captures the truth of the gospel succinctly and his ‘plain style’ makes his poems easy to read and understand. There is much comfort in his trust in God and confidence in the character of the God he believed. I would certainly like to know God the way he does. In a time when a lot of things are uncertain, globally and personally, it is easy to swayed and blinded, having my eyes veiled to see the gloominess of reality instead of the light that gives all reality the shadow that looms over me.

Veith Jr. is helpful in presenting a Herbert who does struggle in his Christian life, yet at the same time is able to find comfort and security in the character of God. Perhaps that is the way for me to deal with the vicissitudes of life present at this juncture: to pick up my Bible and let God speak.

Maybe if one day you find yourself lost, read a few poems by George Herbert, get a glimpse of the God that loves him, then pick up a Bible and read about the God that loves us – you and me – and that He still cares, no matter what.