-------- Original Message --------
I'm struck by your attribution of fundamentalism to Kinbote, just
as I was by Carolyn's attribution of zealotry. As I understand it,
fundamentalists aren't casual about homosexuality--if they can't
help engaging in it, they try to justify it religiously or reproach
themselves afterwards. They spend time studying the Bible (and
official doctrine and devotions, if you're thinking of
"fundamentalist Catholics"), and in a religious argument, they rely
on it as proof. In difficult situations, they turn to the Bible or
to prayer. (Kinbote gives us one four-word prayer.) They "give
God the glory" when talking about their accomplishments, at least
when they remember to.
Explicitly, "our Zemblan brand of Protestantism is rather closely
related to some of the 'higher' churches of the Anglican
communion" (n. 549). I think high-church Anglicans are far from
fundamentalists.
Kinbote does attend two services one Sunday and does mention his
Christianity several times, but I wouldn't even call him devout,
much less a zealot or a fundamentalist.
I'm not sure what you mean by identifying the young priest. Are
you thinking he's some New Wye character transformed in Kinbote's
delusion?
My main feeling on Kinbote's Christianity is that it's conventional
and contrasts with Shade's superior and original understanding of
the supernatural and the afterlife (whether he's going to heaven or
not). But no doubt I'm missing a lot in the details. (A friend of
mine has the maiden name Rodstein--probably just a coincidence.)
No other Christianity is mentioned in the book, right? (Except the
Pope.)
Jerry Friedman