A common reason people will give for not voting is that they don't feel that their vote matters. And, as individuals, it really doesn't matter that much. It only matters when groups of people collectively decide whether or not to vote that really changes an election outcome. So your vote matters to the extent that … Continue reading Voting Efficacy and a Personal Connection to God
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Some Reflections on a 1st Full Year of Teaching (College-level Politics)
Not quite done with the semester yet, but feeling close enough to begin reflecting on what went right, what went wrong, and what if anything can be done about it for next year. My mind is at a place where I'm thinking about how there are a few big choices to make in approaching class. … Continue reading Some Reflections on a 1st Full Year of Teaching (College-level Politics)
Recovery Days in Iraq, 2003
When on deployment, the day-to-day routine can be roughly divided into mission days and recovery days. You either have a formal mission handed down through the chain of command, or you have the day to maximize your mission readiness in anticipation of whatever the next mission is. I was part of an armored combat engineer … Continue reading Recovery Days in Iraq, 2003
On the Resurrection
Whether you believe or reject the claim of the Resurrection of Jesus, there seems to be on either side a single key consideration. For believers, there is an account of the Resurrection given in the Bible. For doubters, this is an account of a miracle, and miracles do not occur. Those are the main competing … Continue reading On the Resurrection
Is faith above ethics?
Kierkegaard's Fear and Trembling is a challenging read, but gripping when you're in the mood for that sort of thing. The main thesis has something to do with faith being the greatest passion of human beings, that faith reaches beyond rational ethical doctrines, and that modern society is wrong to think that it can go … Continue reading Is faith above ethics?
Needing a (Way of) Life
Many of us have a sort of nagging restlessness that we're frequently in need of escaping. We need to be fully immersed in something, but nothing seems sufficiently appealing. There is a deep trepidation that trying to immerse in the wrong thing will only intensify the restlessness, turning it into desperation. Others of us are lucky … Continue reading Needing a (Way of) Life
On enthusiasm for the Bible, for Trump, and other things
Behold, the power of belief is revealed, and there, thrown aside, is the truth. The word enthusiasm represents to many people energy and passion. It has a more extreme sense, indicating a sort of enflaming of the spirit or becoming filled with spirit, or filled with a god. Enthusiasm in sound and meaning is related to … Continue reading On enthusiasm for the Bible, for Trump, and other things
