Saints and Sinners

As I was typing the title of this post, I put in "Sinners and Saints" then thought about how the "sinners" are always coming first, so I changed it.


Let's be honest with ourselves, there are two hot entertainment trends right now: Vampires and English Stuff. Since I have to save something for October (Vampires and Blood and whatnot), and it's cold and has recently rained we are discussing England.
. . .in all fairness, there has probably been more bloodshed in England's history than with Vampires, as they are into sustainability and drink rather than waste the blood, but I'm asking you to just go with me on this one.


Kathy Simcox, an office manager at OSU's College of the Arts, applied the knowledge gained from her degrees in Psychology and Religious Studies to enhance a trip to England this past summer. She shared her experiences and photos with us at the Space on 2/24.


In her talk Kathy discussed the two most important M-words in English history: Monarchs and Martyrs. Discussion about how various monarchs have shaped England through religious transformations ultimately leads to frequent mention of The Tower and Death



This trip was special for Kathy because she could see the origins of her faith. As a protestant she was touched by physical evidence of the kind of religious conviction that leads to someone dying for what they believe in:



Of particular interest to Kathy was the story of Anne Askew:

"I don't know why I'm so taken by her story. Perhaps it's because I share her Protestant faith. Or perhaps my cowardice reveres someone so young who is willing to sacrifice so much for her beliefs. Would I be so brave? I'd like to think so, but pain of any sort has never agreed with me"
*taken from the event handout

While many of the movies referencing England's Monarchs may briefly reference the fact that some are executed for any number of transgressions, these movies are not focused on religious martyrs. However, they do have more than their fair share of sex scenes.
This is but one side of the re-telling of England's history. On the other side is the sex, murder and mayhem known as the Monarchy. Various movies have been made: Elizabeth
The Other Boleyn Girl
Edward II

While many of the movies referencing England's Monarchs may briefly reference the fact that some are executed for any number of transgressions, these movies are not focused on religious martyrs. However, they do have more than their fair share of sex scenes.
There is no better example of this than The Tudors.
This show depicts the sexy times of Henry VIII, with so many wives there was a lot. There's a good share of sinning in each episode. I wouldn't be surprised if there were quotas that each show has to reach: 3 sex scenes (check), court intruiges and lies (check, check), complete lack of moral conviction, willingness to believe whatever keeps you in good graces and general wishy-washy-ness (check, check, check). The elaborate costumes and huge living quarters ALMOST make you forget that these people didn't bathe that often.


Either way these stories are a far cry from those held in such high esteem by Kathy.
"The stories of all the English martyrs are stories worth being told, for as the years dwindle, so too does history's memory. The events that shaped the lives of the 16th century martyrs also shaped the world we live in today, and they are events, and lives, too important to forget"
*taken from the event handout

I wholeheartedly agree with Kathy and wish that these people weren't just after thoughts in most of the books and movies about England's sexy history, put in just to add a touch of credibility to the heaving bosoms and throbbing members of England's best sinners.