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I’m getting to know what I write about through writing about it, if that makes any sense. I was once described by a professor as a ‘sideways thinker’ and I felt it suited the way in which I approach the world. I have read across a number of disciplines in the humanities and frequently make links across them. I think in an interdisciplinary manner which I hope adds something interesting to the debates going on right now.
My current research into the concept of ‘idolatry’ is on-going. This has morphed into something wider and more significant. From what idolatry is (and many have quite disparate thoughts about this) to why it is so important; I am looking once again at how Biblical texts continue to open up avenues of thought. To this effect I am researching and writing about the Tower of Babel, as well as the image of the shepherd throughout the Biblical corpus. I have some to realise the enormous significance of the Exodus and Passover for Jews and Christians, and the Passover Seder (meal) as an essential intersection for the Judeo-Christian tradition. As western societies grapple with enormous challenges, finding our way back to God and the traditions that have served us well for thousands of years is something many are taking very seriously. However, we cannot simply turn the clock back. We need a new way of approaching this. Those who struggle with belief cannot simply ‘believe.’ This poses challenges for both religious and secular alike. I will argue that we can choose to enter into a narrative, and my research is exploring how we can do that.
I may share some of this research with readers on this site. (Feedback on this would be helpful) It occurs to me as I type, that much of what I have written already contributes to that theme. I guess I’m sharing already. The other area that I am drawn to investigate is the concept of postmodernism. I believe we are confused about this philosophical field, and it is not always what it seems, nor what we are frequently told it means. I do believe that (small ‘c’) conservative thinkers have this one somewhat skewed. Postmodernism is not an ideology, it is more like the waters in which we are all swimming. That aspect is to be continued.
By subscribing, you will be supporting my (as yet) fledging work as a writer. You will help nourish my unique and direct take on the world. Especially in the current mass formational madness. Knowing I have thoughtful readers really sharpens the brain and focuses the mind. I do hope you get something from my writing and share it with others. I welcome feedback and comment.
I write a mixture of long and short reads. Some of this writing takes time to develop, so there may be weeks when I am working on something that’s not quite ready to go. I’d rather post less material of a higher quality than post frequently for the sake of getting something out. I hope you agree. Additionally, I have recently begun sharing writing I feel resonates with my own thinking and/or deserves a wider readership.
My occasional podcasts have been monologues or further commentary on pieces I have written. I am hoping to get some more conversational pieces done in the near future. This is a new area of me, and I’m on a fairly relaxed but steep learning curve!
If you are curious about my doctoral work, I am on Academia.Edu where I have now uploaded my thesis. (Search for Caroline Kaye). Any problems, you can message me here at Substack: thesidewaysthinker@substack.com (or *NEW!* send a DM!)
I don’t do paid subscriptions at this time, but simply subscribing and sharing my posts will do a lot to support me and my work. However, I recently signed up to BuyMeACoffee should you feel able and willing to support me on a one-off basis!
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