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This is a recent paper on the history of the use of ‘Concupiscence.’ Concupiscence has played a significant and at times controversial role in Christian theology, from Augustine into our own time. Crucial debates during the reformation have relied upon its analysis. Its range of use has at times resulted in ambiguity. This paper surveys … Continue reading A History of the Analysis of Concupiscence and its Ambiguities: An Inheritance of the Church

Mansfield Park is not one of Jane Austen’s best-loved works, even among her serious admirers. It is certainly not my favorite. It is nearly her longest novel (almost double some of her more esteemed writings) and it is certainly the least humorous. Further, it is more politically and socially complex than most others. But there … Continue reading Jane Austen’s Most Difficult Read

A Talk Given to Students at New College Franklin for Orientation (August 12th, Fall 2022) Continue reading Memento Mori: Magnanimity and Christian Learning

An eye is a part of the face, but what part of virtue is piety or justice? The problem of parts and wholes (mereology) is a central philosophical motif. When one begins to notice it, one notices it everywhere. That is because it is another way of framing the mystery of the one and the many.   Continue reading Plato & Augustine: On Parts and Wholes

I am grateful to announce the publication of Three Acts: A Commentary on Plato’s Theaetetus. This was a lot fun to develop. It represents the fruit of my time studying at Holy Apostle’s College and Seminary and teaching at New College Franklin. I am grateful to En Route Books & Media for publishing it and … Continue reading Three Acts–A New Book on Plato’s Theaetetus

Of making many books there is no end, and much study is a weariness of the flesh.—Ecclesiastes 12:12 This was recently added as the first chapter of a book I wrote on the Spiritual Disciplines. We need no great reason to write a book, but perhaps we need a good reason to publish what we … Continue reading Why Publish a Book?

I am grateful to announce the publication of On the Spiritual Disciplines: An Introduction to Christian Practice. From the back cover: This handbook introduces a Christian to the fundamental disciplines of the Christian life. It first discusses the meaning and goal of the spiritual disciplines. It then explores prayer, reading, the division of the day, … Continue reading On the Spiritual Disciplines–A New Book

And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.–Hebrews 11:6 What is it about faith that is pleasing to God? We can imagine a family of four brothers who have gone out for a kayak … Continue reading Dad is Going to Come

—‘I wish you would,’ cried my son Moses, ‘and I think,’ continued he, ‘that I should be able to answer you.’            ‘Very well, Sir,’ cried the ‘Squire, who immediately smoaked him,’ and winking on the rest of the company, to prepare us for the sport, if you are for a cool argument upon that subject, … Continue reading On the Abuse of Reason: A Contest of ‘Wits’ in Oliver Goldsmith’s The Vicar of Wakefield