A student of contemporary ethics may be astonished by the variety of theories available: Egoism, Emotivism, Utilitarianism, Deontology, Subjectivism, etc. How is one to make sense of their contrary claims? Is the right action: Seeking my own good (Egoism)? the greatest good for the greatest number (Utility)? Obeying rules (Deontology)? Determined by culture, communities, or … Continue reading Fragmented Anthropology: Contemporary Ethics, I
This from his book on epistemology: Certitude cannot be construed as a search for relief from the weight of singular existence The Philosophy of Knowledge, p.293-294 I would add only that in laying hold of truth by the free assent of the inner man, in discovering that certain truths are subjective insofar as they are … Continue reading A Brief Quote from Kenneth T. Gallagher
After a delightful dinner with friends, somebody brings out a tray of cookies. I help myself to one, and then to another. I am now full, but I still want to eat another. Why? How can this be possible? All men by nature desire happiness. But the happiness which we desire is not a certain … Continue reading Thomas Aquinas Explains why I can Always Eat Another Cookie
Grace Alone Conquers This is the motto of Trinity House from the Latin Sola Gratia Vincit. What does it mean. Is it a strategy? Shall Trinity House win the Cup at New College Franklin this year by means of grace? Shall we through grace rise up triumphant over our brothers and sisters? Is grace the master … Continue reading Sola Gratia Vincit: A Charge to Trinity House
I have several times referred to Sara Groves work as a model of Christian art. Today I have in mind her song Twice as Good. In it she contemplates the unique power of the Gospel: with my good news your dancing on the table babies born I am not sure I can say much without … Continue reading Where do Babies come From? Joy!
The liberal view of the state is that law is a necessary evil. There are several assumptions built into this belief. a. Freedom is wholly subjective b. Our happiness is to be individual and self-determined c. the state itself is perhaps a necessary evil Hegel rejects each of these assumptions. Freedom is the outworking of … Continue reading Hegel’s Rejection of Liberalism: A Comment from a Class at HACS
A Meditation on Palm Sunday and folly over at the Blog of the Emerging Scholars Network. Thanks for featuring my work again folks! Continue reading The Perfection of our Praise: Reclaiming our Inner Folly on Palm Sunday– A Post on the Emerging Scholars Blog
There was a gardener who filled his garden with plants of all kinds that he might have good food to eat throughout the long year. In that garden were fruits and vegetables, nuts, herbs, spices, and vines. He hedged his garden about with strong walls to protect it, and to each plant he gave water … Continue reading Two Fruit Trees
When I look out upon the work which I have set before me, the studies, the parenting, the goals and desires which I have ratified either by myself or with God, I perceive a task of infinite value. For in this production, that is, in the realization of these goals and projections, I perceive the … Continue reading On the Anxiety of Production
Parenthood in A Brave New World is considered obscene. Motherhood, fatherhood, and family-life are looked upon, not only as antiquated, but as shameful. There is a powerful logic at work in the novel, a logic which is at work in our own culture. When sex ceases to be linked with marriage or reproduction, our bodies and our bodily existence can … Continue reading Squeamish About Our Bodies (The Third of Three Meditations on A Brave New World)
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