Spiritualism from vampires

[brightrosefox]

I must say, I am adoring this new non-fiction book "What Would Buffy Do? The Vampire Slayer As Spiritual Guide." It is a fantastic view of philosophy and human psychology as seen through eyes of a group of fictional characters. Joss Whedon intentionally created a cult classic, a role model, and a concept that has bred scholars, philosophers, and researchers. Kudos to the man!
I don't think I can find the right words to describe how this book affects me. It delves into both Western and Eastern religions and philosophies, but beyond that, it delves into the characters, citing their mistakes, their downfalls, their despair, their joy, their perceptions and outlook on life. I literally found myself crying a little, because some of the implications hit home.
On the Amazon.com review site, a couple of reviewers scoffed at the whole idea, saying that "anyone who bases their spirituality on a TV show needs to get up from their spot in front of the idiot box and figure out what's really important in life."
Oy. *rolls eyes* No one ever said anything about basing a spirituality on a TV show. Dude, it's fiction! Yeesh! We all know what's important in life, and it's not television. But humor is important. And being able to get a kick out of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" philosophy is a great testiment to the human ability to "lighten up."

So, in conclusion, I say that all Buffy fans should read this book. It honestly is a really good philosophy read.

Comments

[quietpassion.livejournal.com]

Cool. I'll have to check it out, add it to my "religion/spiritual library". :)

[brightrosefox.livejournal.com]

Definitely. It is worth it, and it'll really, really make you rethink the way you live your life. :) Hi, by the way.

[quietpassion.livejournal.com]

Oh, hi. :) Added you after the Pagan posts, in case you were wondering.

[brightrosefox.livejournal.com]

Cool. Thanks, I'll add you back.

[moronqueen.livejournal.com]

Eesh...people are so uptight sometimes...I'm really not a fan of Buffy in the least, but I sympathise with how ya feel. It's like all those idiots making a huge deal over the Harry Potter books...I've actually seen quite a few that have spawned off of the seriese reguarding spirituality and faith...

[brightrosefox.livejournal.com]

I think I've seen some of those. Honestly, most of those "scholar" books and spiritual guides based off of these fandoms aren't bad at all; they provide great, funny insights, whether you're a fan or not. A lot of these characters go through what everyone goes through. They just happen to battle vampires and warlocks and such. I think it's great fun. I just wish people wouldn't take it so seriously, from either end! You know, don't base your life on a TV show or book series, but at the other end, don't slam people for wanting to enjoy a philosophical or spiritual debate on it. *shrug*
There has to be a happy medium, right?

[moronqueen.livejournal.com]

*noddles* Very true...I guess there are just some people who can't stand to live without needlessly bashing someone else. *shrug*

[eclective.livejournal.com]

Personally, I don't actually see what's the problem with, at the least, being able to find something in a TV show or a dimestore comic or, you know, just anything, no matter how trashy or how mainstreamified, that spiritually moves you. In fact, I think if you can glean a nugget of intelligent philosophy, belief, spirituality or any higher meaning from something that most people view as "just a pop-culture TV show".... I don't know, I just see an inherent beauty in that. Literature and even so-called "popular media" has more to offer us than we think, if we're prepared to look for it. I don't see why that should be disdained. I think it's beautiful.