Blog # 2

According to Milton, how or why does truth become a heresy if a person believes things only because his pastor or government tells him so? Why does Milton find this practice dangerous?

In Areopagitica, Milton argues relentlessly against the censorship of books. He argues that censorship of books will lead to censorship of all things. Namely that everything will eventually be controlled by the government. Milton affirms “The State shall be my governors, but not my critics…” Furthermore, he somewhat pokes fun at what is to be censored next, music, and or fashion. Man may not have much but one thing he is endowed with is reason.

He mentions how God bestowed Adam reason. He goes on about temptation and passions and pleasure and how it is all around us. How the careful balance of such are what make one virtuous and not what one decides is of virtue. Milton explains that when God bestowed Adam reason, he gave Adam the freedom to choose! This is what he wants everyone to see. Everyone should have the choice should he desire to exercise his right to reason, to seek the truth. To contemplate the alternatives should he wish to do so? Milton states, “How can a man teach with authority, which is the life of teaching; how can he be a doctor in his book as he ought to be, or else had better be silent, whenas all he teaches, all he delivers, is but under the tuition, under the correction of his patriarchal licenser to blot or alter what precisely accords, not with the hidebound humour which he calls his judgment?” Everyman should take what opinion he pleases. However, Milton argues that man risks being a heretic in the truth should he willingly accept to believe without reference to truth or falsehood for that matter, what his pastor or government tells him so. It is then when ones private belief and or theory become the controversial belief. The heresy!

It is dangerous because the government will decide what is in mans best interest to say the least. It will strip man of what God bestowed him with, reason and wisdom.

In my opinion, Milton pretty much says it all when he states “…it hinders and retards the importation of our riches merchandise, truth...”