One of the most charming moments of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Hobbit takes place at Beorn’s farm when Gandalf tells his host their tale. By twos and threes, the dwarves intrude, interrupting Gandalf’s narrative. In part, this is intended to soften the blow of fourteen unexpected visitors arriving all at once. Yet for a moment, one might wonder if … Continue reading Tolkien on How to Tell (Interrupt) a Story
There two schools of Christian anthropology. The first school I will call the Noetic. It advocates the transforming power of knowing God. To know God’s love is to be transformed by that love. The second is the school of Praxis and Discipline. We needs to press on and take hold of what Christ has secured for us, thereby … Continue reading Noetic Transformation vs. Discipline and Praxis
Here is a semi-edited copy of a paper I presented at a Medieval Conference in Kalamazoo, MI a few weeks ago. It features: JRR Tolkien Vikings Pictures Torcs Jewelry Monsters Scripture Derrida The Torc and the Text Continue reading The Torc and the Text: Ambiguity in Beowulf
