Fukuyama's Religion
In the back page essay of the recent NYT Book Review, Fukuyama discusses Weber's famous work on the Protestant (read: Calvinist) work ethic. Apart from the question of the merits of Weber's thesis, F.F. seems fundamentally confused about the nature of culture. For example, he states "What held traditional China and Japan back, we now understand, was not culture, but stifling institutions, bad politics and misguided policies" --as though institutions, politics, and policies are not constitutive of culture! He also makes the classic secularist error of assuming "modern rationalsim" lacks religious commitments.
Wish I had more time to comment on this topic, but you will find the essay here.
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3.14.2005
2.27.2005
Swift To The Booty
My sister is due to have her baby soon. Of course, I'm looking forward to being a first-time uncle. In the meanwhile, my thoughts turn to that most ancient of human vocations --naming. I was recently surprised to happen upon the fact that there is a contemporary TV actor who is named Mahershalalhashbaz (which, as I'm sure you know, means "swift to plunder, quick to spoil;" see Isaiah 8:1-4). I'm sorry, but I think that's cool.
In other news, I was privileged to give a presentation on Dooyeweerd's transcendental critique to the upper grades of Covenant Christian Academy a week ago. I enjoyed it quite a bit, and hope they'll have me back again.
Also, my brother, Jeff, and I eagerly anticipate the Baldwin & Cocktails Monday night. Join us if you're in town.
My sister is due to have her baby soon. Of course, I'm looking forward to being a first-time uncle. In the meanwhile, my thoughts turn to that most ancient of human vocations --naming. I was recently surprised to happen upon the fact that there is a contemporary TV actor who is named Mahershalalhashbaz (which, as I'm sure you know, means "swift to plunder, quick to spoil;" see Isaiah 8:1-4). I'm sorry, but I think that's cool.
In other news, I was privileged to give a presentation on Dooyeweerd's transcendental critique to the upper grades of Covenant Christian Academy a week ago. I enjoyed it quite a bit, and hope they'll have me back again.
Also, my brother, Jeff, and I eagerly anticipate the Baldwin & Cocktails Monday night. Join us if you're in town.
2.06.2005
The God Of Second Causes
This weekend at a surprizingly well done "modern dance" performance, I met three Dutch students who are currently researching at Johns Hopkins. After the show we went out and enjoyed discussing the cultural particularities of various "Western" societies. Perhaps as "westerners" we have an initial bias that the social differences between us are very slight. But if you've done any traveling, you'll be disabused of that assumption fairly quickly. This is even the case within the U.S. itself, from region to region.
Anyway, the students were curious about my own interest in studying in the Netherlands. And so we talked about that for a while. They recommended The UnDutchables as a keen exposé on Dutch culture.
Of course, I told them about my affinity for Reformational philosophy, particularly for that of Herman Dooyeweerd. In the course of discussion, I was asked why I would want to bring religion into philosophy. I tried to explain that it wasn't really an issue of bringing religion into it, as much as a critical understanding of how religion is the inescapable starting-point of all philosophy.
I'm not sure my explanation was very lucid. In anycase, one student kept asking me if it just didn't seem too convenient to reference God in philosophy. At the time, I struggled to understand what exactly her objection was. But after further reflection, I think I know what she was expressing.
I think she was trying to say that if one brings God into the equation, then there is no room for further explanation, and therefore all too simplistic, and not very helpful in really explaining anything. Of course, had I understood her question, I would have attempted to discuss how God's creational ordinances are a matter of the normative principles which we see functioning in the order of the universe. That God is "behind" the order certainly doesn't exlain it away, nor is it the end-all of what the order is, or how it operates.
"God, from all eternity, did, by the most wise and holy counsel of his own will, freely, and unchangeably ordain whatsoever comes to pass: yet so, ...the liberty or contingency of second causes in not taken away, but rather established. God, in his ordinary providence, makes use of means... Although, in relation to the foreknowledge and decree of God, the first Cause, all things come to pass immutably, and infallibly; yet, by the same providence, he orders them to fall out, according to the nature of second causes, either necessarily, freely, or contingently." (See WCF 3.1 & 5.1-2).
This weekend at a surprizingly well done "modern dance" performance, I met three Dutch students who are currently researching at Johns Hopkins. After the show we went out and enjoyed discussing the cultural particularities of various "Western" societies. Perhaps as "westerners" we have an initial bias that the social differences between us are very slight. But if you've done any traveling, you'll be disabused of that assumption fairly quickly. This is even the case within the U.S. itself, from region to region.
Anyway, the students were curious about my own interest in studying in the Netherlands. And so we talked about that for a while. They recommended The UnDutchables as a keen exposé on Dutch culture.
Of course, I told them about my affinity for Reformational philosophy, particularly for that of Herman Dooyeweerd. In the course of discussion, I was asked why I would want to bring religion into philosophy. I tried to explain that it wasn't really an issue of bringing religion into it, as much as a critical understanding of how religion is the inescapable starting-point of all philosophy.
I'm not sure my explanation was very lucid. In anycase, one student kept asking me if it just didn't seem too convenient to reference God in philosophy. At the time, I struggled to understand what exactly her objection was. But after further reflection, I think I know what she was expressing.
I think she was trying to say that if one brings God into the equation, then there is no room for further explanation, and therefore all too simplistic, and not very helpful in really explaining anything. Of course, had I understood her question, I would have attempted to discuss how God's creational ordinances are a matter of the normative principles which we see functioning in the order of the universe. That God is "behind" the order certainly doesn't exlain it away, nor is it the end-all of what the order is, or how it operates.
"God, from all eternity, did, by the most wise and holy counsel of his own will, freely, and unchangeably ordain whatsoever comes to pass: yet so, ...the liberty or contingency of second causes in not taken away, but rather established. God, in his ordinary providence, makes use of means... Although, in relation to the foreknowledge and decree of God, the first Cause, all things come to pass immutably, and infallibly; yet, by the same providence, he orders them to fall out, according to the nature of second causes, either necessarily, freely, or contingently." (See WCF 3.1 & 5.1-2).
2.02.2005
The End Of The Line
The Japanese government is considering modifying its constitution to allow for a female monarch. Much of the press seems to be playing this as a late-born women's liberation issue, when in reality, it's all about the end of Shinto Nationalism* itself.
The Shinto claim of descent from the Sun-goddess Ameratsu is reckoned only through a direct line of male heirs (unbroken for at least 125 generations). If there is no male heir, the line is broken, and Shintoism is ruined at last.
Speaking of lines...
I'm hooked on The Wire. I haven't heard whether it's going to be cancelled or not. But I have to wait for the seasons to come out on DVD anyway, so it will be awhile before I reach the end. If Shakespeare were writing today, he'd be a cohort of David Simon.
The Japanese government is considering modifying its constitution to allow for a female monarch. Much of the press seems to be playing this as a late-born women's liberation issue, when in reality, it's all about the end of Shinto Nationalism* itself.
The Shinto claim of descent from the Sun-goddess Ameratsu is reckoned only through a direct line of male heirs (unbroken for at least 125 generations). If there is no male heir, the line is broken, and Shintoism is ruined at last.
Speaking of lines...
I'm hooked on The Wire. I haven't heard whether it's going to be cancelled or not. But I have to wait for the seasons to come out on DVD anyway, so it will be awhile before I reach the end. If Shakespeare were writing today, he'd be a cohort of David Simon.
1.24.2005
The Ties That Bind
So, I have a new phone number again.
443-278-3020
Please take note.
Brother Jeffy had his 30th recently, so we enjoyed one night of duckpin bowling and another of Ethiopian food. I think my New Year's resolution might be to bowl more. Bowl. That's a verb.
In other news, the old Theodicy sonnet has appeared.
My thanks to Matt Kirby.
So, I have a new phone number again.
443-278-3020
Please take note.
Brother Jeffy had his 30th recently, so we enjoyed one night of duckpin bowling and another of Ethiopian food. I think my New Year's resolution might be to bowl more. Bowl. That's a verb.
In other news, the old Theodicy sonnet has appeared.
My thanks to Matt Kirby.
1.10.2005
Red Emma
So I've found a nice spot for web access. It seems like such a good thing, I wonder how long it will last. In anycase here I am. My friend, Dan Van Allen told me about his work being shown here, so I stopped by and am very pleased.
The comments are piling up two posts below. Perhaps now it will be more convenient to respond without long delays.
So I've found a nice spot for web access. It seems like such a good thing, I wonder how long it will last. In anycase here I am. My friend, Dan Van Allen told me about his work being shown here, so I stopped by and am very pleased.
The comments are piling up two posts below. Perhaps now it will be more convenient to respond without long delays.
1.04.2005
In With The North Wind
Over the "holidays," I was pleased to host three seniors from Redeemer University College, Ontario for a week during their winter break. I hope Steven, Andrea, and Jane found me a sufficient tour guide. I had a good time, anyway. Since I was also working most of the time, I'm not sure how much more we could have added to the family dinner, Federal Hill, the Visitor's Center, Fells Point, Sip&Bite, Machen's grave at Greenmount, Sylvan Beach Cafe, Lexington Market, Dizzy Issie's, the BMA, the Charles Theater, Club Charles, and the Dionysus.
I hope my friends got a good taste of the possibilities that await them in urban post-college life. You've got to choose your ghetto. Choose wisely.
Over the "holidays," I was pleased to host three seniors from Redeemer University College, Ontario for a week during their winter break. I hope Steven, Andrea, and Jane found me a sufficient tour guide. I had a good time, anyway. Since I was also working most of the time, I'm not sure how much more we could have added to the family dinner, Federal Hill, the Visitor's Center, Fells Point, Sip&Bite, Machen's grave at Greenmount, Sylvan Beach Cafe, Lexington Market, Dizzy Issie's, the BMA, the Charles Theater, Club Charles, and the Dionysus.
I hope my friends got a good taste of the possibilities that await them in urban post-college life. You've got to choose your ghetto. Choose wisely.
12.12.2004
The Socinian Connection
In the late 1500s there was a school of recycled Arian heresy centered around the teachings of Socinus. What I find particularly interesting is the Socinian view of ecclesiastical authority, and how this view has basically triumphed in contemporary Evangelicalism and infected most Reformed churches.
In this view it is not the legitimate task of the church to proclaim God's Word authoritatively, but rather to "recommend" the truth. The church does not have a commission of genuine discipleship, but only one of attempted persuasion and mere advice-giving.
However, against this Socinian-Evangelical view stands the old school of Reformation teaching which, upon the very authority of her Lord, dares to exercise the power He gave her to "make disciples of all nations... teaching them to observe all that He commanded."
Tolerance for false doctrine is the order of the day, even in the NAPARC churches. There is little unanimity in any given church on what the Scriptures teach, and no real enforcement of God's Word.
But as for me, I am certain that "obedience is better than sacrifice."
In the late 1500s there was a school of recycled Arian heresy centered around the teachings of Socinus. What I find particularly interesting is the Socinian view of ecclesiastical authority, and how this view has basically triumphed in contemporary Evangelicalism and infected most Reformed churches.
In this view it is not the legitimate task of the church to proclaim God's Word authoritatively, but rather to "recommend" the truth. The church does not have a commission of genuine discipleship, but only one of attempted persuasion and mere advice-giving.
However, against this Socinian-Evangelical view stands the old school of Reformation teaching which, upon the very authority of her Lord, dares to exercise the power He gave her to "make disciples of all nations... teaching them to observe all that He commanded."
Tolerance for false doctrine is the order of the day, even in the NAPARC churches. There is little unanimity in any given church on what the Scriptures teach, and no real enforcement of God's Word.
But as for me, I am certain that "obedience is better than sacrifice."
Chanukah Came Early
...so I bought a number of collected essays on continental philosophy: Kearney's Routledge History #8, Solomon & Sherman's Blackwell Guide, Schroeder's Blackwell Critical Approach, and Critchley & Schroeder's Blackwell Companion. These should keep me occupied through the winter.
And if you're even remotely interested in this subject, I would recommend Simon Critchley's Continental Philosophy: a very short introduction*. Retail price is only $10, and it simply and clearly illustrates the history and central concern of this approach to philosophy.
...so I bought a number of collected essays on continental philosophy: Kearney's Routledge History #8, Solomon & Sherman's Blackwell Guide, Schroeder's Blackwell Critical Approach, and Critchley & Schroeder's Blackwell Companion. These should keep me occupied through the winter.
And if you're even remotely interested in this subject, I would recommend Simon Critchley's Continental Philosophy: a very short introduction*. Retail price is only $10, and it simply and clearly illustrates the history and central concern of this approach to philosophy.
11.25.2004
Saddest Thanksgiving
I don't mean to bum you out or to sound ungrateful. But I imagine that the character of my thanks this year may be quite like the pilgrims' that first Thanksgiving. Almost everyone else was dead, yet there they were. It was harvest and they had made it through. Not much to show for their efforts except a thin survival.
The thing is, not having a list of "supererogative" blessings (for lack of a better term), I find my gratitude toward Christ and others profoundly deepend. But it is hard to speak about openly.
Appropriately, along with the feasting and other usual observances, I suggested the family watch Guy Maddin's The Saddest Music In The World. The film explores an array of human response to overwhelming grief. Alas, I don't think anyone else appreciated the off-beat dark comedy or expressionistic style.
I don't mean to bum you out or to sound ungrateful. But I imagine that the character of my thanks this year may be quite like the pilgrims' that first Thanksgiving. Almost everyone else was dead, yet there they were. It was harvest and they had made it through. Not much to show for their efforts except a thin survival.
The thing is, not having a list of "supererogative" blessings (for lack of a better term), I find my gratitude toward Christ and others profoundly deepend. But it is hard to speak about openly.
Appropriately, along with the feasting and other usual observances, I suggested the family watch Guy Maddin's The Saddest Music In The World. The film explores an array of human response to overwhelming grief. Alas, I don't think anyone else appreciated the off-beat dark comedy or expressionistic style.
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