Jean-Léon Gérôme's L'Éminence Grise
This is a topic that most Old Knocks would refrain from discussing in a public forum such as this. That is not to say that the Old Knock is reticent to discuss matters of religion. In fact, for many, it is a topic to consumes many of their waking hours. However, please remember that the Old Knock is a retiring sort, who prefers to avoid any type of spotlight (which makes this blog ironic indeed—until one understands that the author never really thought anyone would read it!)
(A point of clarification may need to be made here. While an Old Knock could, theoretically, come from anywhere on the globe, it should come as no surprise that, for the most part, the Old Knock type is European in origin or extraction. The name itself comes from a derivation of a nickname for C.S. Lewis’s tutor. Because of this, the average Old Knock will find himself or herself coming from a Christian origin by default, if for no other reason. This is by no means absolute, but on average it does tend to play out. It should also not be taken for granted that this means that Old Knocks are necessarily devoutly religious, merely that their background tends to come from a European Christian society.)
All this said, there may be some broad observations that may be made in regards to the Old Knock’s religious views.
First and foremost, the Old Knocks love and reverence for historical tradition informs his or her approach to matters religious. Many an Old Knock takes pleasure and comfort in the solid traditions of the past. Knowing that there is a unifying tradition of rites, linking believers together around the world and across the centuries, is a comforting thought indeed.
Along these same lines comes another important aspect of the Old Knock’s approach to religion: the picking over of the minutiae of practice. Typically, these arguments tend to be historical, not spiritual in nature—which is why many Old Knocks feel safe to impose their opinions on others.
If brave enough, this Old Knock may begin addressing more of these topics in coming posts, but only if the dear readers will kindly correct him when he stumbles.
