I read this when it came out and I wasn't too impressed. The author, I felt, drew too many conclusions from a small group (13) of subjects - mind you, she is by no means the only researcher to have done that! She spent a lot of time identifying the Welsh "Strong Woman"; this could have been useful but I felt it was something of an overplayed stereotype and that she had come to the study with certain presuppositions which she was eager to prove. In a later lecture, which I attended, she expanded this to Afro-Caribbean women. Having lived in West Africa for five years I felt that the comparison was not unhelpful. (That lecture, by the way, is the only time I've had any personal contact with Manon).
If your comment was referring to me, yes I have read it. I also have some experience (MA rather than PhD) in doing sociological/theological research and pulling together the text. So I do know that it isn't easy!
I have an MSc in 'Crisis Management', my professional purpose for many decades - but I'd be hard pressed to put a 20,000 word dissertation/thesis together focussed on the woes of the CinW and Dioc. of Bangor particularly.
Perhaps Outsider if you had focused on what it is that + are supposed to be doing instead of authoring and iconography, this whole debacle would not be quite so woefully sad..But then she did beat you once so why have a second fight you might loose….
@AdClerum - I have a feeling that in years to come there’ll be many a case study or thesis written on the Bangor fiascos, despite the inevitable destruction of primary source documentary evidence which may well have already happened, for all I know. At least good old Andy and the Temu Pope have secured their places in history, though not, I suspect, in the ways they intended.
That's assuming anyone gives a flying fig about the Cult in Wales or any particular Diocese "in years to come". Frankly I'd be amazed to see it survive until 2035.
Nor had I, because I'm a fairly recent arrival in Wales and not a Welsh speaker. Anyway, Menna is female and, from her biography, is very distinguished.
WHAMAB: Ancient Briton could have serious hoot from opening a Bloggers' competition to suggest a title for her next tome: 'My Guide to Becoming a Bishop ... Backs You Must Stab' could be one. 'The Art of Pulpit Joke Cracking ... Ignore the Yawns!' Perhaps even: 'GOD. My Part in His Downfall' by Manon C. James.
Jackanory, Jackanory......
ReplyDeleteI read this when it came out and I wasn't too impressed. The author, I felt, drew too many conclusions from a small group (13) of subjects - mind you, she is by no means the only researcher to have done that! She spent a lot of time identifying the Welsh "Strong Woman"; this could have been useful but I felt it was something of an overplayed stereotype and that she had come to the study with certain presuppositions which she was eager to prove. In a later lecture, which I attended, she expanded this to Afro-Caribbean women. Having lived in West Africa for five years I felt that the comparison was not unhelpful. (That lecture, by the way, is the only time I've had any personal contact with Manon).
ReplyDeleteI'm an author myself, so know what it takes to pull together a theological text. I'm guessing you've not read it, just here to mock?
ReplyDeleteOutsider
If your comment was referring to me, yes I have read it. I also have some experience (MA rather than PhD) in doing sociological/theological research and pulling together the text. So I do know that it isn't easy!
DeleteI have an MSc in 'Crisis Management', my professional purpose for many decades - but I'd be hard pressed to put a 20,000 word dissertation/thesis together focussed on the woes of the CinW and Dioc. of Bangor particularly.
DeletePerhaps Outsider if you had focused on what it is that + are supposed to be doing instead of authoring and iconography, this whole debacle would not be quite so woefully sad..But then she did beat you once so why have a second fight you might loose….
Delete@AdClerum - I have a feeling that in years to come there’ll be many a case study or thesis written on the Bangor fiascos, despite the inevitable destruction of primary source documentary evidence which may well have already happened, for all I know. At least good old Andy and the Temu Pope have secured their places in history, though not, I suspect, in the ways they intended.
Delete'But then she did beat you once'? Think you have the wrong theologian.
DeleteOutsider
That's assuming anyone gives a flying fig about the Cult in Wales or any particular Diocese "in years to come".
DeleteFrankly I'd be amazed to see it survive until 2035.
Useful for the next pandemic and panic buying of toilet paper.
ReplyDeleteBewildered
It s actually a very good book. A fine analysis of the poet Menna Elfyn.
ReplyDeleteWho?
DeleteNever heard of him!
Bewildered
Sometimes its good to keep our ignorance to ourselves
DeleteNor had I, because I'm a fairly recent arrival in Wales and not a Welsh speaker. Anyway, Menna is female and, from her biography, is very distinguished.
DeleteNot to mention the inability to distinguish ignorance from sarcasm.
DeleteBewildered
Perhaps, if it is a such good book, Manon should stick to writing, rather than leading people?
DeleteWhamab
WHAMAB: Ancient Briton could have serious hoot from opening a Bloggers' competition to suggest a title for her next tome: 'My Guide to Becoming a Bishop ... Backs You Must Stab' could be one. 'The Art of Pulpit Joke Cracking ... Ignore the Yawns!' Perhaps even: 'GOD. My Part in His Downfall' by Manon C. James.
DeleteLeading people?
DeleteWhat a novel notion.
"Why, God, am I the only one here?"
DeleteBook Title Competition for Manon's next Tome:; 'The Great Jehovah: An Autobiography by Me' [In Welsh of course].
Delete