I have lived very near and worked on a University campus for four years. Taken together with my undergraduate years, this means that eight of the last ten years of my life have consisted of the pattern of life of higher education. I wanted to muse here on the full effects of that kind of … Continue reading University Life and the Act of a University
Procession and Return (to reading and writing about Plato)
I've been getting back to writing. It's been a while. But hey, I figured I could share the fitful products of my latest research project.
Say the Right Thing
Do you all remember the first time we heard this or that professor—I would bet Baxter or Bolin for the majority of us—Say the Right Thing? Some philosophical, poetic, or theological point which made you sit up and give a wide-eyed "Wow"? Do you remember twittering about it in the hall afterwards or repeating the … Continue reading Say the Right Thing
A Father’s View on Abortion
Like many of you, I grew up heavily involved in the Pro Life movement. While I never attended the March for Life, I did go to many pro-life camps and events throughout junior high and high school. These events came off as tone-deaf to me at the time because I was homeschooled, awkward, and fat, … Continue reading A Father’s View on Abortion
Memory and Meaning
Among the various threats that modern tech poses to culture and mankind, there is a grave threat against human intelligence–in particular, human memory. Every technological development is opposed to a certain skill. The development of motorized vehicles, for example, meant that the training, driving, and caring for horses was no longer a common ability. Likewise, … Continue reading Memory and Meaning
Against a Standing Army
Populism sure does feel good, and since this election season has yielded the Republicans the Presidency, Senate, and House, we might be inclined to indulge our nationalistic tendencies a bit. I enjoyed the music video (Trump edition) for Lee Greenwood’s rock version of “God Bless the U.S.A.” as much as you did. But it’s precisely … Continue reading Against a Standing Army
Reflections on the 2023 Three Hearts Pilgrimage
The Three Hearts Pilgrimage is a walking pilgrimage that ends at Our Lady of Clear Creek Monastery. Below are my reflections on my 2023 trip. Though it has been nearly eight months since the 2023 Three Hearts Pilgrimage, I relive the memories and experiences I had frequently. My most pressing message is one of deep … Continue reading Reflections on the 2023 Three Hearts Pilgrimage
The Snow Knight
This poem borrows its form from "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" by Robert Frost. Be wary of those woods, my friend. Many who go there meet their end. Beware of the snowy white knight, Whose blows the wicked cannot fend. He roams the woods by day and night, Harrying those left and those … Continue reading The Snow Knight
Speaking to St Michael’s Parish
Father asked me to give a talk on a young person’s perspective on the Church. Given our current Bishop, I had to very careful about what I said and how I said it. This was the result. Today we are plagued with constant assurance that sin is good. Not just any sin, but selfish pride, … Continue reading Speaking to St Michael’s Parish
Spite
Harold pressed his temples, feeling the taught little bundles of muscle under his skin pop side to side. His throat hurt, but not as though he had been coughing. It felt as though there was a little raft of phlegm hiding just behind and above his mouth, avoiding attempts at blowing it out his nose … Continue reading Spite
Lander's Forge 