Wilfred Owen: 'All theological lore is becoming distasteful to me.'

All theological lore is becoming distasteful to me.

In the quote by Wilfred Owen, 'All theological lore is becoming distasteful to me,' the poet expresses his growing aversion towards religious teachings and doctrines. The straightforward interpretation of this statement suggests that Owen is at odds with theological knowledge, finding it unappealing or off-putting. This sentiment may have stemmed from witnessing the horrors of World War I, where the concepts of faith and divinity may have been challenged by the atrocities of war. However, to truly delve into the deeper meaning and explore the significance of this quote, it is intriguing to introduce the concept of existentialism.Existentialism, a philosophical school of thought that gained prominence in the 20th century, focuses on individual existence, freedom, and the absence of a predetermined purpose or meaning in life. This unexpected philosophical concept adds an extra layer of interest to our discussion, allowing us to compare and contrast Owen's distaste for theological lore with the existentialist perspective.At its core, Owen's quote suggests a disillusionment with religious dogma and the traditional understanding of the divine. It reveals a discontentment towards theological teachings that may have been at odds with the brutal reality he experienced on the battlefield. The combination of witnessing the mass slaughter and the loss of countless lives may have challenged his faith and caused him to question the validity of theological concepts.This sentiment aligns with an existentialist viewpoint, as existentialism emphasizes the individual's freedom to create their own meaning and purpose in life. Existentialists reject the notion of an inherent, predetermined meaning or divine plan, focusing instead on the individual's responsibility to construct their own moral framework and find personal fulfillment. Owen's rejection of theological lore can be seen as a departure from relying on external authorities for answers and a shift towards a more individualistic and self-determined perspective.While Owen's rejection of theological lore may be understandable considering the horrors he witnessed, it is interesting to note the striking similarity between his sentiment and existentialist thought. Both perspectives challenge the idea of an externally imposed purpose or meaning, promoting personal autonomy and the quest for individual significance. However, it is important to acknowledge that Owen's rejection of theological lore may have been influenced by his specific experiences and may not necessarily align with the broader existentialist movement.In conclusion, Wilfred Owen's quote, 'All theological lore is becoming distasteful to me,' sheds light on his growing disillusionment with religious teachings and doctrines. However, taking an unexpected twist toward the concept of existentialism allows us to explore the deeper significance of his words. Owen's sentiment aligns with the existentialist perspective, emphasizing the individual's freedom to define their own purpose and meaning in life. By comparing and contrasting these two ideas, we gain a deeper understanding of Owen's rejection of theological lore while exploring the philosophical landscape of existentialism.