A Curious Novel: Postmodernism and Holy Madness | Dr. Rowan Williams | TEDxOxBridge

Evgeny Volozadkin’s recent novel Laurus is a brilliant blend of the historical novel with a series of experimental narrative devices, which raise various questions about time and language as well as about the nature of wisdom and holiness. Rowan William's talk introduces the novel and looks at some of these issues against the background of aspects of the Russian literary tradition - and of contemporary concerns about the religious and the spiritual.
Rowan Williams grew up in South Wales and studied theology at Cambridge before proceeding to research in Oxford on Russian religious thought. After teaching in Cambridge and Oxford, he returned to Wales as a bishop and later served for ten years as Archbishop of Canterbury. He is now Master of Magdalene College. He has published a number of books on theology, philosophy and literature, as well as four volumes of poetry.
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at ted.com/tedx

[@DonTheMoron716]

His vernacular is incredible. I am an atheist and this man is gold.

[@andrewheld4913]

I share Dr Williams's admiration for this magnificent and deeply moving novel. More people should read it.

[@gordonparker4570]

This man is so eloquent when talking

[@deniscuschieri6739]

Gordon Parker 7

[@davidsonvideos5701]

He really is an excellent communicator.

[@gustavojc]

Laurus is an incredible book

[@dmitriyyankovskiy8196]

It’s absolutely tru. I’ve read this Vodolazkins novel, if you will read it you should be ready, that it can be change yourself

[@EmperorsNewWardrobe]

I’m not a Christian, but I’ll admit one thing. Rowan Williams has a great voice

[@DonTheMoron716]

Agreed. The worst (or best?) atheist has nothing on him.

[@balthysar68]

As always with Rowan, a shimmering gift...

[@Theakburton9669]

++Rowan is a gift to English and Philosophy students!

[@deelak2329]

I love this man's love for novels. I share it. People should check out his talks on Dostoevsky, more specifically, the Brothers Karamazov. Its fascinating.

[@DonTheMoron716]

Will do, thanks!

[@pasainchina97]

Excellent talk, put together with thought and eloquence.

[@elijahmwiti7849]

A great theologian and a man of God

[@user-yo6nk4sm3w]

thank you. fantastic speech

[@stephenhampshire202]

Wonderful!

[@sasharaek]

Such a magnificent lecture! But I have to say, that the writer's name has been misspelled here. And as such sounds kind of funny in Russian. The writer's real name is Evgeny Vodolazkin (meaning someone who got into the water). I'd rather not translate the misspelled name published in the introduction here ))

[@ruthlevai4816]

The name of the author is Vodolazkin, not Volozadkin

[@fotyfar]

Very deep

[@GerhardGiesse]

You have not understood a thing in what this novel is about. Your attitude towards the speaker proves it.

[@rommelbonus5680]

The only footage we only have of Charles Darwin lecturing.

[@DonTheMoron716]

Darwin had a much more pronounced brow. Like he was always angry or worried...now I get it.

[@seanbaz1423]

Well... guess I’ll quit reading Anna Karenina

[@tomlabooks3263]

AND Laurus. He completely spoiled them both 😂

[@frederickanderson1860]

Like reading the old testament or the Hindu scripture.

[@JamesJoyceJazz]

Therd

[@rajeevanps853]

He looks like Charles Darwin.

[@DonTheMoron716]

Lacks the brow.

[@frederickanderson1860]

People who read books and are captivated by the characters in the books l believe its because we lack such communication with people who dont captivate us in real life.

[@frederickanderson1860]

He looks like the late Charles Darwin.

[@DonTheMoron716]

A little bit. Darwin had a stronger brow.

[@edgarazaky8256]

First

[@frederickanderson1860]

Apostle Paul warned us about these articulate orators.

[@chansuhiro3198]

Who do you think did better at TED, Mr. Williams or Pope Francis? Personally, I think Pope Francis was much better. He answered all of my questions I had now, a few years ago!

[@sherlockholmeslives.1605]

Lol! I don't read or write novels.

[@kevinc721]

Stacy Caruso why do you say that?

[@frederickanderson1860]

Lord Rowan sadly jesus refused to be a earthly king himself.

[@TruthBeTold7]

Rowan is a modernist who contradicts Orthodox Church teaching. See the "About" section on my channel, which provides links to important article refutations of this man.

[@yohei72]

You say that like it’s a bad thing.

[@yohei72]

(And I seriously doubt anything on your channel is important.)

[@frederickanderson1860]

Children love fairy tales.yet as we grow in expirences we dont see the same about fairy tales.

[@BreconD2]

half the audience is Chinese. Polite. Smiling. Lights are on, but what else?? Where are the English?

[@blackmetalmagick1]

What a belly! I guess he conveniently missed out gluttony as one of the sins...

[@samluke8121]

Hahah that is trivial but quite funny.He may just require a liver flush rather than eat less.

[@CrazyLeyther]

Gordon Ramsay Where’s the lamb sauce?!

[@TK-kf8zc]

Shame on you