Why a blog?
I love the study of literature (esp. the classics), theology, philosophy, biography, and history. More specifically, I love examining the ways theology and philosophy manifest themselves in literature.
When I earned my M.A. in English, I was exploring the ideas of the atheistic writer Albert Camus and the Christian writer Walker Percy. I found, and continue to find, great benefit in showing how ideas and presuppositions about what is true either conform to reality or pervert reality.
My goal? To ask, What makes more sense? Is this an atheistic world? Are randomness, acts of violence, and boredom the best we should hope for in this existential looming void? Are those experiences, so prevalent in modern, postmodern, and post-postmodern literature, the best we should hope for? If so, life is a pretty sad tale.
However, maybe that worldview is wrong. Maybe there is another way. Is it possible that another worldview makes more sense?
The worldview in Percy’s The Moviegoer, for example, begins somewhat in the same tone as Camus’ world; it is a world of estrangement. However, Percy’s protagonist moves on. How? He follows ideas to their logical consequences. He sees that atheism/materialism do not hold answers for what it means to be a man, to be a questioner, a seeker after the eternal truths (not just whimsical distractions). Why, after all, would man question his experience if he is only matter in motion?
Percy’s protagonist comes to see the world makes more sense via a theistic, not an atheistic, framework. Refusals to acknowledge God and revelation reveal more about fallen man’s nature than about ontology.
Ideas have consequences, and I hope this blog may bear witness, not just to my personal interests, but to how our ideas conform to or pervert the truth. My particular theological/philosophical presuppositions will likely unfold.
If you love literature, or if you appreciate the ways in which people’s theology and philosophical worldviews invariably manifest themselves in art, literature, life, and culture, welcome:-)
Some of My Interests:
Literary fiction, theology/philosophy/worldviews, Christian apologetics, drama, history, poetry, biography, non-fiction, and cultural studies.
Studies:
B.A. in English from Western Carolina University (1993); M.A. in English from Western Carolina University (2005); M.Div. from Liberty Seminary (2011); military chaplain; literature and writing instructor.
Just found your blog. Letting you know that I will be a supporter. Keep up the good work.
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Thank you, Omie.
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Hey, Jon! I came across your “site” tonight while surfing and caught the waves of some really good questions from your post Diminished.
Tell Carrie I said hello.
And keep up the good work! God bless!
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