Discovering the Timeless Appeal of Shakespeare
As a seasoned professor of English, I’ve often been asked why Christians should read Shakespeare. While I don’t believe everyone has the necessary skills to fully appreciate his works, I do think that those who can, should. Shakespeare’s mastery of the English language is unparalleled, with a vocabulary of over 20,000 words, far surpassing that of the King James Bible and John Milton.
The Challenges of Reading Shakespeare
Shakespeare’s language can be daunting, with archaic and outdated words, as well as metaphors that are difficult to grasp. However, this doesn’t mean that readers should be discouraged. With patience and persistence, one can still have a rich and rewarding literary experience with Shakespeare.
Who Should Read Shakespeare?
My answer to this question is simple: all Christians who can do so with profit. As John Milton once said, “a fit audience though few.” I believe that more Christians should read or view Shakespeare than currently do. The company of the “fit” is mainly limited by people’s laziness in regard to their leisure time.
Four Compelling Reasons to Read Shakespeare
- Fun: Shakespeare’s plays are a source of great pleasure, with a level of artistry that is unmatched in theatrical performance.
- Superior Artistry: Shakespeare’s works offer a depth of analysis that is unparalleled in literature, with “line by line deliciousness” that is a joy to behold.
- Depth of Human Experience: Shakespeare’s plays offer a profound understanding of human experience, with a level of insight that is unmatched in literature.
- Encountering the Great Ideas: Shakespeare’s plays present us with great ideas and interpretations of human experience, often affirming a Christian view of reality.
Why Christians Should Read Shakespeare
For me, the answer falls into the realm of good stewardship. God wants us to be all that we can be, including in our leisure pursuits. Sometimes (not always) we should reach for the best, and Shakespeare is one of the authors who meets that standard. By reading Shakespeare, Christians can gain a deeper understanding of human experience, encounter great ideas, and appreciate the beauty of superior artistry.
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