Matt:
> Now I'm lookin up Jeremiad......
Heh... <g>. Jeremiad's were a particular form of sermon in 16th-17th
century Calvinist culture, consisting of long and elaborate
complaints and inveighings against the fallen-ness of current times.
So-named from the book of Jeremiah, wherein the prophet expresses
outrage at current sinfulness and a sense of futility about calling
upon the people to get rid of their damn SUVs!!! (Sadducean Utility
Vehicles??).
Cultural historians talk about a tradition of the Jeremiad that
extends through later American culture: eloquent railing
and hollering against the decadence of the day, etc...
--junior
