Only a Ghost! by Irenæus the Deacon

Description

Sabine Baring-Gould was an Anglican Priest from Devon, England, who is remembered particularly as a writer of hymns and as the author of Onward, Christian Soldiers – his best-known work. Baring-Gould, however, also wrote numerous novels with religious and spiritual connotations, including Devil’s Punch Bowl, Guavas the Thinner and Mehalah. Throughout his long and quite eventful life, Baring-Gould also became a well-known eclectic scholar, a hagiographer and antiquarian.

Only a Ghost! is a book that was written by Baring-Gould while using the pseudonym Irenaeus the Deacon. It essentially includes the author’s beliefs and comments on the various Christian sects and churches that were in existence during the 19th century. His comments are presented in an entertaining and humorous fashion, however, they carry a very powerful and important message: a challenge and reminder that one should focus more on the essence of one’s faith, rather than on the outward form of worship.

Although not necessary, you’ll find that some theological background on the book’s specific topics might help a great deal in understanding it. The understanding of the various Christian churches, for example, each having its own unique and distinct interpretation of the scriptures and how they should relate to Christian life could help a great deal in the full comprehension of Baring-Gould’s often subtle insinuations and comments related to Christianity as it was during the mid-1800s.

Unlike his hymns, Baring-Gould’s prose is particularly rich and detailed in outlining his beliefs about elements of folklore and superstition in medieval times, as well as the study of obscure subjects such as lycanthropy.


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