Author Topic: Steampunk - pros and cons (Read 7080 times)

Zeitun · « **on:** February 24, 2014, 12:33:15 AM »

I know many Catholic guys think steampunk is cool but this is just taking it too far:

Sigismund · « **Reply #1 on:** February 24, 2014, 07:19:30 PM »

It is silly, but I am not sure I see how it is harmful.

Marlelar · « **Reply #2 on:** February 24, 2014, 11:31:32 PM »

I'll bite, what's wrong with it?

Marsha

1st Mansion Tenant · « **Reply #3 on:** February 25, 2014, 12:12:54 AM »

Actually- I think its kind of cool...and if he likes it I guess that's what's important.

Ursus · « **Reply #4 on:** February 25, 2014, 03:15:59 AM »

Kinda cool actually. Probably encourages conversation. Many people ignore the disabled so it may break the ice.

PereJoseph · « **Reply #5 on:** February 28, 2014, 12:40:32 AM »

I'll bite, too. I don't think it's cool. I think steampunk is silly and traditional Catholics who are interested in it seem like strange people. I think the same of anime. I think esteem for either (or both, as is often the case) is a sign of immaturity and don't feel comfortable associating with people who find them interesting or a good use of one's time. In general, I think that tendencies toward these things should be isolated and uprooted.

Matthew · « **Reply #6 on:** February 28, 2014, 01:03:56 AM »

Quote from: PereJoseph

I'll bite, too. I don't think it's cool. I think steampunk is silly and traditional Catholics who are interested in it seem like strange people. I think the same of anime. I think esteem for either (or both, as is often the case) is a sign of immaturity and don't feel comfortable associating with people who find them interesting or a good use of one's time. In general, I think that tendencies toward these things should be isolated and uprooted.

That's your opinion.

We'll leave aside "Anime", as it has nothing to do with steampunk (which is really the topic of this thread), and I agree with you on that heading. It's only marginally better than the stuff coming from Hollywood. Japan has a pagan culture.

But you can't give any concrete reasons why a steampunk keyboard is "silly" or "less mature" than a regular, boring, generic keyboard. Or any other item: wheelchair, chair, etc.

I thought Catholic culture was more about individual craftsmen, making things by hand, guilds, art, beauty, etc. and not so much Wal-mart, huge factories, dehumanizing "jobs", cutthroat capitalism, etc.

Anything worth doing is worth doing in style -- that used to be the culture of Catholic Europe. Think: France and how they appreciate mealtime as more than just a time to feed your face hot pockets. Mealtime is not just about feeding your face; it's about making a bond with those in your family, friends, neighbors, guests, etc.

I'm not at all surprised you look down on Anime. I'm very shocked that someone like you can't appreciate the individuality, art, and beauty that steampunk attempts to deliver.

Matthew · « **Reply #7 on:** February 28, 2014, 01:05:28 AM »

Wow are some of those pics cool!

I'd love to have any of that stuff -- it's so imaginative and just plain-old neat!

It's no sillier than the early Catholic monks taking the time to do "illuminations" when they copied manuscripts.

Why illustrate a whole intricate scene in full color, when a simple "A" will do? Apparently the early Catholic monks thought differently.

LaramieHirsch · « **Reply #8 on:** February 28, 2014, 01:55:16 AM »

Once again, thumbs up to Matthew for finding cool stuff to look at.

I wouldn't mind having that "laptop." Looks like something out of an adventure movie.

Matthew · « **Reply #9 on:** February 28, 2014, 02:26:51 AM »

I should point out -- after having browsed a gallery of steampunk outfits, etc. -- that a lot of it IS silly and many of these costumes (designed by pagans) are immodest as well.

Though I'm sure it could be done "tastefully" -- basically dressing up in Victorian garb with a few decorations.

But that particular aspect of "steampunk" doesn't appeal to me. The idea of making everyday things into works of art? Heck yeah. That's part of what is needed in this sad world.

The world has turned away from God, and now everything is ugly. Coincidence?

I don't believe a home full of religious art is functionally the same as a home without any religious art. Likewise, I don't believe a home full of truly beautiful works of art would have 0 effect on children, compared to a home without any good art, where ugliness and banality are everywhere.

The effect might be subtle, but it's real nonetheless. Constantly looking at things of beauty (or ugliness) MUST affect a person's soul one way or the other.

ggreg · « **Reply #10 on:** February 28, 2014, 03:47:59 AM »

I like the craftsmanship.

Dolores · « **Reply #11 on:** February 28, 2014, 11:39:32 AM »

It seems to me to be nothing more than a matter of taste and style; morality doesn't seem to be implicated at all. (So long as the clothing is modest, and what's shown in the picture in the OP certainly is.)

It certainly does not suit my tastes and is not my style--to be frank I think people who adhere to the steampunk fashion look foolish--but that's just my opinion.

I see no objective reason to say people shouldn't adhere to it.

Frances · « **Reply #12 on:** February 28, 2014, 03:01:17 PM »

:dancing-banana:
So long as it's not an obsession, I see nothing wrong with it. The presence of a steampunk thread on CI shows that many young people take an active interest in the Faith. I just did an impromptu survey at my school's after care program. Three of ten teachers besides myself heard of steampunk. The oldest of these is 35. Her 16 year old son is "into" everything steampunk. Of the eight middle schoolers, six have heard of it. One child in the lower grades had some idea. Nobody in the office has heard of steampunk. The youngest person there is in her mid-40s. For whatever reason, I take first-place as best informed old fogy! I've heard of steampunk despite my advanced age of 54, although I certainly do not wear Victorian clothes or otherwise pursue it as a lifestyle! Adults live in the real world, not in a time warp!

Cantarella · « **Reply #13 on:** February 28, 2014, 03:27:00 PM »

Quote from: PereJoseph

I'll bite, too. I don't think it's cool. I think steampunk is silly and traditional Catholics who are interested in it seem like strange people. I think the same of anime. I think esteem for either (or both, as is often the case) is a sign of immaturity and don't feel comfortable associating with people who find them interesting or a good use of one's time. In general, I think that tendencies toward these things should be isolated and uprooted.

You belittle those who like anime? :thinking:

I agree with Matthew that "Anything worth doing is worth doing in style" (that used to be the culture of Catholic Europe). Also, I think that every human expression is valid and perhaps even praiseworthy, as long as it is not sinful or offensive to God.

Your comment made me think of this meme I recently saw:

Sigismund · « **Reply #14 on:** February 28, 2014, 07:11:18 PM »

Quote from: Matthew

Wow are some of those pics cool!

I'd love to have any of that stuff -- it's so imaginative and just plain-old neat!

It's no sillier than the early Catholic monks taking the time to do "illuminations" when they copied manuscripts.

Why illustrate a whole intricate scene in full color, when a simple "A" will do? Apparently the early Catholic monks thought differently.

Okay, I would love to have that stuff too. I withdraw my 'Silly" comment.