2025/06/28

The Internet Needs Sex

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Guest Essay

The Internet Needs Sex
June 27, 2025

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By Lux Alptraum


Ms. Alptraum was the editor in chief of Fleshbot, a blog about sex and adult entertainment.
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2025/06/27

Philo Kalia - *도올 김용옥 교수

Philo Kalia - *도올 김용옥 교수 도마복음연구회에서 “도마복음과 성서 연구”의 주제 강연을 하신 도올 선생과... | Facebook


Philo Kalia

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*도올 김용옥 교수

도마복음연구회에서 “도마복음과 성서 연구”의 주제 강연을 하신 도올 선생과 함께 뒤풀이를 가졌다. 초청자는 연구회 후원자이자 고문인 구자만 회장((주) 신흥지엔티)
TV와 유튜브 강의 등을 통해서 경험한 선생의 독특한 목소리와 과장된 제스처와 달리 친절하고 다정한 느낌을 받았다. 질문도 정성스럽게 잘 받아 주었다. 이번 강연을 위해 지난 3개월 동안 다시 썼다는 『예수님의 육성 도마복음』(2025. 6. 13)을 미리 구입해 읽었는데, 속지에 정성스럽게 그림과 사인을 해주었다.
도올 선생을 통해 동양 고전을 읽고 동양학 및 한국학을 공부해야겠다는 도전을 받은 것은 사실이지만, 기독교에 대해 워낙 도매금으로 비판적인 것을 넘어 바울의 기독교와 초기기독교의 역사에 대해서는 부정적이고 오로지 ‘역사적 예수’ 연구에만 집중하는 태도에 균형감이 떨어진다는 생각을 가지고 있었다.
유불선의 경전 및 기독교의 경전까지 회통하는 학자는 사실 유일한 분이 아닌가 생각한다. 도올의 성서연구는 여느 신학자들 보다 뛰어난 면이 있다. 그의 성서연구는 6권이나 된다. 『마가복음 강해』, 『요한복음 강해』, 『로마서 강해』, 『큐복음서』, 『기독교성서의 이해』, 『나는 예수입니다』. 이 정도라면 “도올의 성서연구”라는 논문도 나와야 한다.
도마복음에 대한 연구는 2007년 봄에서 2008년 봄에 걸쳐 도마복음서와 관련된 모든 지역, 이집트, 유대, 팔레스타인, 갈릴리, 시리아, 요르단, 터키, 아나톨리아의 광대한 지역을 모조리 탐색하고 『도마복음한글역주』를 3권으로 출간했었다(2008~2010). 도마복음을 연구한 신학자가 없는 것은 아니었지만, 정경이 아닌 외경인 데다가 영지주의 문헌이고 영지주의는 이단이라는 낙인 때문에 그 존재를 아는 사람조차 별로 없엇던 처지였다. 그러한 때에 도올의 지명도와 한꺼번에 쏟아진 3권의 책은 놀라웠고 한국사회에 도마복음의 존재를 널리 알리는 데 혁혁한 공헌을 한 셈이 되었다.
그 당시 나도 이 책을 찾아 펼쳐보다가 1권의 절반 이상이 사진 자료라서, 1권만 대충 보고 중단했다. 그런데 이번에 그의 답사 경험을 듣고 정말 그 열의와 진정성에 감동하게 되었다. 너른 사막 지역은 물론 바위산 절벽 기슭까지 몸소 경험하기 위해 뙤약볕 아래에서 걸어 다녔고, 강렬한 햇볕을 선글라스도 끼지 않은 채 다녔던 바람에 눈을 좀 상했다는 얘기를 들었다. 다시 생각해보니 그 사진을 통해 현장을 간접적으로 체험할 수 있는 귀중한 자료라는 생각이 든다. 그의 말대로 전 세계의 신학도 중에서 도올만큼 많은 지역의 자취를 탐험해본 사람은 없어 보인다.
도올이 도마복음에 대한 입장과 중요한 의의는 다음과 같다.
1. 기독교는 바울의 기독론-종말론에서 벗어나 예수의 삶과 말씀으로 돌아가야 한다. 틀린 말이 아니다. 유학의 경우도 성리학으로 굳어지자 선진 유학에서 생동성을 찾았고, 불교도 대승불교 이전의 니까야 근본불교의 단순함을 찾고, 종교개혁 시절 “처음으로 돌아가자”(Ad Fontes = back to the sources")란 구호를 내세웠다.
도올의 의도는 이렇다. 기독론은 역사의 예수를 신성화했고, 종말론의 예수의 나라운동을 현재의 운동이 아니라 내세의 천당으로 만들었다는 것이다. 사실 한국교회의 시한부 종말론 형상이라든가 말세론은 성서 종말론의 기현상이기도 했다. 그렇다고 기독론과 종말론을 제거하는 것은 바람직하지 않다. 종말론은 희망론으로 읽혀져야 하고 기독론은 예수를 운동가에서 예배의 대상을 만들면서 예수운동 퇴락했다는 부정적 면만 있는 것은 아니다. 삼위일체론이 핵심 신앙으로 형성된 내면의 역사를 고려할 필요가 있다.
그럼에도 연구자의 강조점과 선택의 다양성은 인정되어야 한다. 도올은 큐복음서와 함께 도마복음에서 더 오리지날하게 예수의 육성을 들을 수 있다고 말한다. 도마복음은 예수운동의 소산이며, 바울이 오염(?)시키기 이전의 순결한 예수공동체에 새겨진 말씀들이라고 주장한다. 다시 말해, 신약의 문헌 중에 最古층대의 문헌이며, 살아 있는 예수의 육성에 접근하는 언어체계라고 말한다.
“예수의 진짜 말씀”(ipsissima vox Jesu) 물음은 역사적 예수 연구의 가장 고전적인 물음이다. 참 복잡한 연구인데 도올은 간단하게 결론 내린다.
2. 그래서 도올은 도마복음 1세기 독립설을 주장한다. 대개의 학자들은 2세기설을 말하고 몇몇 학자들이 1세기 설을 주장하기도 한다. 조재형 교수도 1세기 설에 무게를 싣고 있다. 1세기설을 말하면 도마복음은 공관복음보다 앞서 예수의 말씀은 수집한 가장 최초의 복음서가 되며, 그렇게 되면 가장 권위가 있는 경전의 왕좌에 앉게 된다. 외경이라고 못 박고 있는 교회나 학자들이 좋아할 리 없고, 이단이라고 생각해 왔던 사람들의 입장에선 더욱 그렇다.
그래서 조재형 교수도 자기 논문이 두 번이나 학회지 심사에서 거부당하기도 했다는 서러움을 말하기도 했다. 학문연구 판단에 신앙적 선입견이 작용한 것이라고 본다. 그러나 도올의 목소리는 단호하다. “서양의 신학계는 아직까지도 도마자료가 4복음서의 원형을 이루는 오리지날 아키타입이라는 사실을 과감하게 시인하는 데 공포감을 느끼고 있다.” 도올의 본문 비평과 공관복음 대조 연구를 겸한 텍스트 비평은 보통 신약학자와 같은 수준이다.
3. 도올은 도마복음은 영지주의 문헌이 아닐 뿐만 아니라 도마복음서는 외경이 아닌 정경이라고 주장한다.
4.도올이 도마복음을 강조하는 이유는 우리민족의 기독교에 대한 인식구조가 근원적으로 바뀌어야 한다는 강한 인식에 근거한다. “두 세기 동안 기독교가 쌓아온 善業의 功課를 무너뜨리는 불행한 사태가 곳곳에서 벌어지고 있다”는 근심어린 마음이다. 한국 기독교에 대한 깊은 애정에 우러나온 발심이기도 하다. 사랑과 용서의 기독교, 그토록 의젓한 기독교가 오늘 태극기부대의 기독교 전락하다니! 탄식하지 않을 수 없다는 것이다. 도올은 헌재에서 대통령 탄핵 결정이 지연되는 것을 찾다 못해 지난 4월 1일 한겨레신문에 장문의 “시의격문時宜檄文”을 쓰기도 했다. 탄핵 심판 선고, “그것은 복음이다! 그것은 복된 소식이요, 기쁜 소식이다. 그것이 바로 윤석열의 파면이다!”라고 서두에 썼다.
5.도올은 예수의 회귀야말로 고조선 “弘益人間”의 구현이라고 말한다. 기독교는 이미 19세기 동학을 통하여 “하느님 마음 = 인간의 마음”(吾心卽汝心)이라는 우리 민족의 소박한 정조로 토착화되었다고 본다. 석굴암이 중국이나 인도 것이 아니고 우리 것이며, 도산서원이 중국 것이 아니라 우리 것이듯이, 명동성당이나 정동교회와 새문안교회가 프랑스 것이거나 미국의 종교가 아니라 우리 것이라는 주장은 너무나 당연하다. 따라서 한국 기독교는 종교의 보편주의적 담론을 흡수하고 조선민중의 고유한 의미체를 발양시키도록 그 신학을 창조적으로 구성해야 한다는 주장은 너무나 옳은 주장이다.
6.조선적 기독교 수립이 절실하다. 이것은 예수의 육성으로 돌아갈 때 가능하며 필연적이다. “예수가 서구인이 아니라 아시아대륙의 사람이며, 예수의 역사적 실상이 동방적 가치를 포섭하는 매우 혁명적인 인간론을 주창한 인물이라는 사실이 구미신학자들에게 인식되기에는 그들의 인식범위가 너무 제한되어 있다. 하다못해 인도문명의 기나긴 수행자전통, 그 방랑자들의 문화적 심도와 예수를 연결시키는 것은 너무나도 당연한 당위에 속하는 것이다.” 그래서 이번 연구에서 “예수의 방랑의 삶” 길에 소개한다. 예수께서 가라사대, “방랑하는 자들이 되어라”(어록 42번)
7.도마복음에 수록된 예수의 말씀(logion)은 성격상 논어의 공자 말씀과 유사하지만 내용상 노자의 도덕경과 더 유사하다고 도올은 본다. 도올은 이번 연구서에서 도덕경의 인용이 가장 많다.
8.예수의 삶을 신격화하거나 신화화 하지 않는 도마복음서, 모든 이적과 기사, 병고침, 귀신축출 이야기, 수난과 십자가 이야기가 없는 도마의 예수는 사람 위에 군림하지 않는다. 예수와 나와 하느님은 본시 “하나된 자”이다. 이런 의미에서 우리의 토착적 신학을 추구하는 소금(素琴) 유동식(柳東植) 선생의 사상은 그리스도를 매개로 하느님과 인간이 하나가 되는 삼태극적 통전(엡 4:6)을 말하고 있다고 높이 평가한다.
9.도올 선생은 최근에 『만해 한용운, 도올이 부른다 1-2)을 2권으로 출간했다. 이어 몽양 여운형 선생을 집필 중이라 한다. 그런 후에 동무 이제마의 사상을 정리하고 싶다고 말씀한다. 원광대학교에서 한의학을 공부하던 시절 이이화 선생의 부탁이었다고 한다. 특히 동무의 격치고(格致藁)를 잘 알아야 한다고 말씀한다.
10.도올 선생님만큼 동양 종교의 고전과 기독교의 성경을 두루 연구한 학자가 없는데, 유불선기(儒佛仙基) 四敎의 회통에 관한 연구서를 쓰실 계획은 없으신가 여쭈었다. 연구서를 쓰는 것은 너무 힘들고, 연구서의 문체상 외부의 비판을 막아낼 수 없기 때문에, 카릴 지브란과 같은 영적, 시적 문장으로 사교를 회통하는 책은 구상하고 싶다고 말씀한다.


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2025/06/26

Google Gemini The New Yorker

Google Gemini

Here's a breakdown based on general perceptions and the provided articles:

The New Yorker:

  • Appears to be more analytical and long-form: The titles suggest in-depth examinations ("What Have the U.S. and Israel Accomplished in Iran?", "With His Eyes on History, Benjamin Netanyahu Aims for Political Resurrection," "What Is Israel's Endgame with Iran?"). This format often allows for more nuance and multiple perspectives within a single piece.
  • Features a range of perspectives:
    • "Why Israel Struck Iran First" features Yossi Klein Halevi, an Israeli American writer, who makes a case for Netanyahu's actions, even while he is "vehemently opposed" to Netanyahu. This suggests a willingness to publish arguments that might be seen as pro-Israel, even if from an unexpected source.
    • "An Inside Look at Gaza’s Chaotic New Aid System" and "The Girl Who Gave Me Hope for Gaza" provide a Palestinian perspective and highlight the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
    • "Gaza Must Be Rebuilt by Palestinians, for Palestinians" by Mosab Abu Toha, a Palestinian writer, explicitly criticizes Trump's proposal and talks about "ethnic cleansing." This is a strong pro-Palestinian stance.
    • "“No Other Land”: The Collective Behind the Oscar-Nominated Documentary" discusses a film about Israel's occupation of the West Bank, suggesting a critical examination of Israeli policies.
  • Focus on U.S. involvement: Several articles specifically address Donald Trump's actions and policies regarding Iran and the wider Middle East ("The Dangerous Consequences of Donald Trump’s Strikes in Iran," "Donald Trump Bombs Iran, and America Waits," "Donald Trump’s No-Strategy Strategy on Iran"). This indicates a focus on the geopolitical ramifications and the role of the U.S.
  • Editorial Stance (based on general perception and articles): While The New Yorker is generally considered a liberal publication, its approach to the Israel-Palestine conflict often strives for intellectual rigor and a platform for diverse, even if sometimes controversial, viewpoints. They publish prominent writers and thinkers from various backgrounds, which can lead to a more varied perspective than some other news outlets. The articles you've provided show both critical analysis of Israeli and U.S. actions, as well as giving voice to Israeli perspectives.

The New York Times:

  • Accusations of Bias: The New York Times has faced significant and often contradictory accusations of bias on the Israel-Palestine conflict.
    • Pro-Israel Bias: Some studies and critics, including a Yale University professor's study mentioned in search results, allege that NYT coverage has skewed towards generating sympathy for Palestinians while downplaying Israeli suffering and Hamas's responsibility. Other reports claim internal memos directed journalists to avoid terms like "genocide" or "ethnic cleansing" and to limit the use of "Palestine," which suggests a leaning towards an Israeli narrative.
    • Anti-Israel Bias: Conversely, some pro-Israel groups and individuals have accused the NYT of being overly critical of Israel or sympathetic to the Palestinian cause.
  • "Paper of Record" Status: As a prominent "paper of record," The New York Times is under constant scrutiny for its coverage. Its extensive reporting on the conflict means it publishes a vast number of articles, leading to varied interpretations of its overall stance.
  • Editorial Board vs. News Coverage: It's important to distinguish between the news reporting and the opinion/editorial pages. The editorial board's stance may differ from the framing within news articles, though some critics argue that a bias can permeate both.

Comparison:

Based on the provided list of articles and general understanding:

  • The New Yorker appears to aim for a more analytical and multi-faceted approach, often delving into the complexities and historical context of the conflict through long-form essays and Q&As. They seem willing to publish a broader spectrum of voices, including those that might challenge prevailing narratives. While it's difficult to definitively label them "pro-Israel" or "objective" from a limited sample, the selection shows an effort to explore various angles and consequences of the conflict for all parties involved.
  • The New York Times, despite its reputation as a "paper of record," has been more consistently and publicly criticized for perceived bias (both pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian, depending on the critic). The sheer volume of its daily reporting means that individual articles might reflect different leanings, but ongoing studies and internal reports suggest a tendency that has drawn significant scrutiny.

Conclusion:

It's challenging to declare either publication entirely "objective," as all media outlets have inherent editorial perspectives and the human element of journalism. However, based on the provided examples and common critiques:

  • The New Yorker seems to offer a more intellectually rigorous and diverse platform for discussing the Israel-Palestine-Iran issues, allowing for various perspectives to be explored in depth. This might lead it to be perceived as more "objective" in its willingness to present different sides, even if individual articles might lean one way or another.
  • The New York Times has faced more explicit and widespread accusations of directional bias (whether pro-Israel or pro-Palestinian, depending on the analysis) in its news coverage, especially regarding framing, terminology, and emphasis.

Ultimately, both publications are crucial sources of information, and a comprehensive understanding requires reading a variety of perspectives and critically analyzing the arguments presented.

The New Yorker magazine - what kind reputation, does it have? Proud of itself having.


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The New Yorker magazine holds a highly distinguished and somewhat unique reputation in the world of journalism and literature. Here's a breakdown of its key characteristics and what it prides itself on:

Reputation:

  • Intellectual and Sophisticated: It's widely regarded as a publication for the intellectually curious and culturally savvy. Its content often assumes a certain level of education and engagement from its readers.
  • Long-Form Journalism and In-Depth Reporting: The New Yorker is famous for its long, meticulously researched articles and essays that delve deeply into complex topics – from politics and social issues to science, arts, and profiles of interesting people. This is a deliberate counter-cultural approach to the rapid-fire news cycle.
  • High-Quality Writing and Editing: The magazine is known for its exquisite prose, rigorous fact-checking, and meticulous copyediting. Writers aspire to be published in The New Yorker due to its demanding standards.
  • Literary Excellence: It has a long history of publishing some of the most respected fiction, poetry, and literary criticism. Many renowned authors have had their short stories debut in The New Yorker.
  • Iconic Cartoons and Covers: Its distinctive and often witty single-panel cartoons are a hallmark of the magazine, and its covers are frequently artistic and thought-provoking, often commenting on current events.
  • Influential and Prestigious: Being published in The New Yorker is a significant career milestone for writers, and the magazine itself is seen as an arbiter of cultural taste and intellectual discourse. It has won numerous awards, including Pulitzer Prizes.
  • "Liberal" or "Left-Leaning": While it strives for a nuanced presentation, The New Yorker is generally considered a liberal or left-leaning publication in its editorial stance and the perspectives it tends to highlight. This is evident in its political endorsements and the issues it prioritizes.
  • National and International Reach: Although its name suggests a focus on New York City, The New Yorker has a broad national and international readership and covers global issues extensively.

What The New Yorker Prides Itself On:

  • Depth and Nuance: In an age of soundbites and fleeting news, The New Yorker prides itself on its commitment to deep dives, nuanced analysis, and giving complex subjects the space they deserve.
  • Originality and Authority: It aims to break new ground with its reporting, offer fresh perspectives, and feature writers who are true authorities in their fields.
  • "Not Edited for the Old Lady in Dubuque": This famous line from its early prospectus (1925) embodies its self-perception as a sophisticated, cosmopolitan publication that doesn't "talk down" to its readers or cater to the lowest common denominator. It implies a certain intellectual elitism, but also a commitment to challenging and engaging its audience.
  • Its Distinctive Voice and Style: The magazine has a recognizable house style – often characterized by its sophisticated, sometimes wry, and detailed prose.
  • Fact-Checking: Its rigorous fact-checking department is legendary and a source of great pride, aiming for unimpeachable accuracy.
  • A "Journal of Record and Imagination": As current editor David Remnick has stated, the goal is to blend reportage and poetry, words and art, commentary on the moment and reflections on the age. This highlights its dual commitment to both serious journalism and literary artistry.
  • Cultural Relevance: Despite its traditional format, The New Yorker aims to remain relevant by engaging with contemporary issues, popular culture, and the evolving social landscape.

In essence, The New Yorker prides itself on being a bastion of high-quality, intelligent, and influential journalism and literature, appealing to a discerning readership that values in-depth exploration and thoughtful commentary.

Do you know its editorial guidelines for its writers?

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The New Yorker magazine has a highly specific and renowned set of editorial guidelines and a distinct "house style" that its writers are expected to adhere to. While they don't publish a detailed public style guide in the way some academic journals might, their practices are well-known within the industry and by those who study the magazine.

Here's what's generally known about their editorial guidelines and expectations for writers:

1. Meticulous Fact-Checking: This is perhaps The New Yorker's most famous and rigorous guideline. Every factual assertion, no matter how small, is meticulously fact-checked by a dedicated department. Writers must provide sources for every piece of information, and these sources are then independently verified. This commitment to accuracy is a cornerstone of their reputation.

2. High Quality of Prose and Literary Style:

  • Clarity and Precision: Writers are expected to use precise language and clear, elegant prose.
  • Sophistication without Pedantry: While intellectual, the writing should be accessible and engaging, avoiding unnecessary jargon or overly academic tones.
  • Narrative Strength: Even in non-fiction, there's often an emphasis on storytelling and compelling narrative arcs.
  • Nuance and Complexity: The New Yorker favors articles that explore subjects in depth, acknowledging complexities and avoiding simplistic conclusions.
  • Distinctive Voice (but within bounds): While individual writers maintain their voice, it must align with the magazine's overall intellectual and somewhat formal (but never stuffy) tone.

3. "New Yorker Style" (Specific Punctuation, Spelling, and Usage): This is a quirky and often debated aspect of their style. They have unique preferences for:

  • Diaeresis (¨): Famously used in words like "reëlect" and "coöperate."
  • Spelling: Often uses British spellings for some words (e.g., "theatre," "travelling," "focussed").
  • Punctuation: Has specific rules for commas, hyphens, and other punctuation marks (e.g., often uses the serial or Oxford comma).
  • "Said" is Preferred: As famously articulated by former editor Wolcott Gibbs, avoiding "fancy" verbs for "said" is a long-standing rule. They prefer to let context and dialogue convey emotion rather than relying on adverbs to modify "said."
  • Avoidance of Cliches: Writers are expected to find fresh ways to express ideas, steering clear of worn-out phrases.
  • Care with Adverbs: As Gibbs also noted, an overuse of adverbs is discouraged; strong verbs and clear nouns are preferred.

4. Extensive Research and Expertise: For non-fiction, writers are expected to conduct thorough research, often immersing themselves in the subject matter for weeks or months. The magazine frequently features writers who are experts in their fields or have a deep, long-standing engagement with their topics.

5. Long-Form and In-Depth: The New Yorker is known for its lengthy articles. Writers are given the space to fully explore their subjects, providing context, history, and multiple perspectives. This contrasts sharply with the brevity often demanded by other publications.

6. Fiction and Poetry Submissions:

  • Highly Selective: The New Yorker is notoriously difficult to get into for unsolicited fiction and poetry. Their acceptance rate is extremely low.
  • Fiction: Often comes from established authors, agents, or writers with connections to prominent MFA programs. They look for originality, strong narratives, and literary merit. Unsolicited non-fiction is generally not accepted.
  • Poetry: Can be submitted via Submittable. They seek unique voices and strong narratives.
  • "Shouts & Murmurs" / "Daily Shouts": These short, humorous pieces are one of the more accessible entry points for new writers, but still require a very specific voice and comedic sensibility.

7. Collaboration with Editors: The editorial process at The New Yorker is highly collaborative and hands-on. Editors work closely with writers, often pushing them to refine their arguments, improve their prose, and strengthen their reporting. This can involve multiple rounds of revisions.

In essence, The New Yorker expects writers to produce work that is:

  • Factually impeccable.
  • Stylistically elegant and precise.
  • Intellectually rigorous and nuanced.
  • Deeply researched and authoritative.
  • Engaging and compelling in its narrative.

Their guidelines aren't just about grammar or punctuation; they're about a holistic approach to journalism and literary craft that upholds the magazine's long-standing reputation for excellence.

Thanks. I am a subcriber, so just asking.

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That's an excellent question, and it's a testament to The New Yorker's strong brand that subscribers are curious about what makes its writing so distinctive!

As a subscriber, you're experiencing the direct output of those guidelines, even if you don't see the internal "style sheet" or editorial memos. Every comma, every word choice, every carefully constructed sentence in the magazine you receive is a product of their rigorous editorial process.

While The New Yorker doesn't generally publish a detailed style guide for the public (unlike, say, the Chicago Manual of Style or AP Stylebook), the consistent style you observe across its articles is their "editorial guideline" in practice. It's an unwritten, but very deeply ingrained, set of principles passed down through generations of editors and writers.

Think of it like a highly refined culinary tradition. You might not have the chef's secret recipe book, but by tasting the consistent quality and unique flavors of their dishes, you understand their "guidelines" for cooking.

So, when you notice:

  • The precise language and lack of jargon, even for complex topics.
  • The extensive detail and thoroughness of the reporting.
  • The often long sentences with carefully placed clauses.
  • The specific punctuation (like the diaeresis in "coöperate").
  • The narrative flow, even in non-fiction.
  • The occasional wry, understated humor.

You're seeing their editorial guidelines in action.

For subscribers, the "guidelines" are less about how to submit (as they rarely take unsolicited non-fiction) and more about the promise of the kind of reading experience they deliver. It's the assurance that what you're reading has gone through a demanding process of research, writing, and editing to meet their exceptionally high standards.

Your observation as a subscriber confirms their success in maintaining that distinct, proud identity!

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