Lessons in Counterculture
The 40th anniversary of the civil rights "March on Washington" brings to mind a book I need to read again: The Crisis of the Negro Intellectual.
My interest in the civil rights movement and black radicalism was first piqued during my years at an afrocentric highschool. Later, this interest was encouraged by professor Stephen Kaufmann [CV pdf], who draws inspiration from the black struggle and powerfully relates it to our struggle as marginalized neocalvinists.
I want to advance a sort of calvinistic "negritude," a calvitude, if you will. This calvitude is an "awareness" in the midst of suffering which rejects assimilation, synthesis, and the corrupting influence of the sub-biblical; maintaining and cultivating our biblical peoplehood, understanding, and action.
8.27.2003
Renew Urbanism
I'm a city-lover. Recently, I've noticed various conversations about New Urbanism.
When I think about "traditional neighborhoods," I can't help seeing all the gorgeous run-down buildings and streets throughout Baltimore. In my mind's eye, I see these places fixed up through Christian community and economic development --like Sandtown.
After being away last year, I don't think I got my fix of Charm City this summer. Maybe I'm a little homesick.
I'm a city-lover. Recently, I've noticed various conversations about New Urbanism.
When I think about "traditional neighborhoods," I can't help seeing all the gorgeous run-down buildings and streets throughout Baltimore. In my mind's eye, I see these places fixed up through Christian community and economic development --like Sandtown.
After being away last year, I don't think I got my fix of Charm City this summer. Maybe I'm a little homesick.
8.23.2003
A Few Heroes
It looks like Roy Moore is getting royally borked. He's absolutely right about constitutional law and federal tyranny, and his principled stand is an inspiration.
My thoughts are often drawn to them, but today was a particular day for reflecting on heroes: Abraham Kuyper and J. Gresham Machen, among others.
It looks like Roy Moore is getting royally borked. He's absolutely right about constitutional law and federal tyranny, and his principled stand is an inspiration.
My thoughts are often drawn to them, but today was a particular day for reflecting on heroes: Abraham Kuyper and J. Gresham Machen, among others.
Activist Ice Cream
Political Science professor, David Koyzis, mentions his health-motivated resolve to avoid ice cream. But ('though summer is nearly over) we all might put our consciences at ease if we could justify splurging for a good cause. I used to live a block away from Sylvan Beach Café, the best ice cream parlor in Baltimore.
Political Science professor, David Koyzis, mentions his health-motivated resolve to avoid ice cream. But ('though summer is nearly over) we all might put our consciences at ease if we could justify splurging for a good cause. I used to live a block away from Sylvan Beach Café, the best ice cream parlor in Baltimore.
8.21.2003
Continental Drift
I'm looking into the program at Villanova. They specialize in the "continental" tradition that I am most interested in. Here is a brief statement on the two major "styles" or methods of philosophy by Jamie Smith, a Dooyeweerdian graduate of Villanova's Ph.D. program.
"Continental" and "analytic" philosophy are distinguished by "a certain “method” of doing philosophy which is undergirded by certain prephilosophical commitments regarding human nature, ontology, etc. In fact, we might say that what distinguishes continental from analytic philosophy is precisely the fact that the former recognizes the formative power of prephilosophical commitments and the contextuality of philosophizing, whereas analytic philosophy (largely) proceeds on an assumption regarding the ahistoricity of propositions."
I'm looking into the program at Villanova. They specialize in the "continental" tradition that I am most interested in. Here is a brief statement on the two major "styles" or methods of philosophy by Jamie Smith, a Dooyeweerdian graduate of Villanova's Ph.D. program.
"Continental" and "analytic" philosophy are distinguished by "a certain “method” of doing philosophy which is undergirded by certain prephilosophical commitments regarding human nature, ontology, etc. In fact, we might say that what distinguishes continental from analytic philosophy is precisely the fact that the former recognizes the formative power of prephilosophical commitments and the contextuality of philosophizing, whereas analytic philosophy (largely) proceeds on an assumption regarding the ahistoricity of propositions."
8.20.2003
Coffee or Activism
In my job hunt I've applied to a coffee shop, and it looks like they will be offering me a (part-time?) position. However, I've also put in an application through the Leadership Institute's employment placement service. The L.I. also recommended that I consult the Heritage Foundation's job bank.
Despite the "tough job market" there seem to be many opportunities for social and political activists in D.C., especially if you're willing to "intern" for pennies.
Speaking of activism, I finally saw Children of the Revolution. I definitely recommend it.
In my job hunt I've applied to a coffee shop, and it looks like they will be offering me a (part-time?) position. However, I've also put in an application through the Leadership Institute's employment placement service. The L.I. also recommended that I consult the Heritage Foundation's job bank.
Despite the "tough job market" there seem to be many opportunities for social and political activists in D.C., especially if you're willing to "intern" for pennies.
Speaking of activism, I finally saw Children of the Revolution. I definitely recommend it.
8.16.2003
Upperclass Pretensions
The air was scented with expensive perfume and... citronella. Last night I attended an Army vs. Navy polo match. (I didn't know the U.S. armed forces had polo teams.) The outing was sponsored by my friend's company, which meant free food and drink! So, I ate lots of shrimp and drank Shiraz (a favorite). After an Army victory (alas, I rooted for Navy) the USO girls performed an obviously well-rehersed medley.
Tonight we are cooking out on the grill. I made the tastiest coleslaw ever.
The air was scented with expensive perfume and... citronella. Last night I attended an Army vs. Navy polo match. (I didn't know the U.S. armed forces had polo teams.) The outing was sponsored by my friend's company, which meant free food and drink! So, I ate lots of shrimp and drank Shiraz (a favorite). After an Army victory (alas, I rooted for Navy) the USO girls performed an obviously well-rehersed medley.
Tonight we are cooking out on the grill. I made the tastiest coleslaw ever.
8.13.2003
Gainful Employment
I have just moved down to northern Virginia, temporarily perhaps. I am living with some good friends, searching for work. Can't say how long I'll be down here. But beside whatever job opportunities the Lord may provide, over the next several months I'll be looking in to graduate schools and applying (DV) to Masters programs in philosophy.
ps. my archives have disappeared on my old blog, so I just posted all the entries at once. If you wanted to catch up on what I was doing last year... enjoy.
I have just moved down to northern Virginia, temporarily perhaps. I am living with some good friends, searching for work. Can't say how long I'll be down here. But beside whatever job opportunities the Lord may provide, over the next several months I'll be looking in to graduate schools and applying (DV) to Masters programs in philosophy.
ps. my archives have disappeared on my old blog, so I just posted all the entries at once. If you wanted to catch up on what I was doing last year... enjoy.
8.11.2003
Beyond Legality
Marriage has civil and ecclessial dimensions. States can recognize it, and churches can sanction it, but a marriage is not founded upon either. The Creator instituted marriage in Eden, and a marriage is properly enacted in the mutual commitment between a man and a woman.
However --legal or not--, as with divorce and extra-marital sex, homosexuality is not only destructive to society it is also destructive to individual persons.
I recently attended a presentation by the Baltimore- D.C. area Regeneration Ministries. They are a member of Exodus International, a worldwide network of services to people overcoming homosexuality. I recommend them to anyone with sexually related struggles, and to those who want to learn more about homosexuality and how to help homosexuals.
I also recommend this informative book by Orthodox Presbyterian pastor Charles McIlhenny.
Marriage has civil and ecclessial dimensions. States can recognize it, and churches can sanction it, but a marriage is not founded upon either. The Creator instituted marriage in Eden, and a marriage is properly enacted in the mutual commitment between a man and a woman.
However --legal or not--, as with divorce and extra-marital sex, homosexuality is not only destructive to society it is also destructive to individual persons.
I recently attended a presentation by the Baltimore- D.C. area Regeneration Ministries. They are a member of Exodus International, a worldwide network of services to people overcoming homosexuality. I recommend them to anyone with sexually related struggles, and to those who want to learn more about homosexuality and how to help homosexuals.
I also recommend this informative book by Orthodox Presbyterian pastor Charles McIlhenny.
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