Several months ago, I cleaned out my personal library. Our son was on his way and there was room for my books or him – not both. As much as I love books, I love my son more. Working through…
This may take most people by surprise, but Preaching is one of the most difficult things you can do. It looks easy. All you have to do is stand up, talk about the Bible and then your work is over…
Anything worth doing is worth doing badly G.K. Chesterton It’s safe to say that we all have dreams. What would you do if you knew that you could not fail? Where would you go if you knew you would never…
It is officially over. The last of the Harry Potter movies has been released (I thought it was great, by the way). But, I believe that conversation about Harry Potter is far from over. Last time, I looked at the…
I have not always been a fan of Harry Potter. But, in recent weeks I have found myself engulfed in the series. The sub-plots and tangential episodes contained within each book do not grip me. Sometimes I’m annoyed by them.…
Note: The following is from a recent paper I wrote for a course I recently completed called ‘Christian Ethics’. I sought to explore a Christian’s relationship to the state that avoids Nationalism (i.e. USA as a “Christian nation” – it’s…
Confessions II.iii(8) – II.x(18) This lengthy portion of book II of Augustine’s Confessions covers much information. Any number of these sections of book II could be made into one longer essay. However, I have noticed an overarching theme here: friends.…
Confessions II.iii(5) – II.iii(7) In ancient Rome there was no such concept as public education. Either your parents possessed the financial means to fund an education or they didn’t. Because of this usually only the wealthy could afford an education.…
Confessions II.i(1) – II.ii(4) Puberty is a confusing and hectic time in an adolescent’s life. I was no different and Augustine was no different. Growth spurts, the influx of hormones, an acute awareness of the opposite sex creates a trifecta…
Confessions 1.xvii(27) – 1.xx(31) Augustine, in Confessions, could never be accused of making little of his sin. The entire work is filled with confessions, hence the title. However, he does also acknowledge the influence of the pagan myths upon his…
Jacob Sweeney 