I have a pet theory that I like to call “The Doctrine of Inner Brilliance.” Despite that ridiculous name, or possibly because of it, I often find myself trying to explain this theory to friends, family members, and unsuspecting passersby. This doctrine concerns the individual and how he or she relates to the rest of …
Author Archives: aquinas
Wes Crawford Interview
Last week I had the chance to talk with Wes Crawford about his history in music, his thoughts on worship, and his upcoming album. Unlike your meandering existence, this interview has been edited for clarity and length. How did you initially get into music? Music was always a part of my life. My mom, …
A Hermeneutic of Love
Your spouse has sent you the following message: Question: What does it mean? It is literal. Your spouse hopes to speak with you. It is conciliatory. You had a fight earlier, and he/she would like to patch things up. It is aggressive. You had a fight earlier, and he/she would like to continue it. …
How to Fake Your Death
I get it. You want to live out your days in anonymity on a remote beach. You’re picturing a life without burdens, debts, or responsibilities. But first things first. You need a plan. It’s not as easy to disappear as it used to be. Surveillance cameras are mounted on every corner and tucked into every pocket. …
The Good Life & Community
Two days after my high school graduation I drove with my older brother to Keystone, Colorado. Our plan was to spend the summer in the mountains before coming to UNT for the fall semester. Although “plan” is probably too strong a word, since we hadn’t thought to secure jobs or a place to stay before …
Death Is My Life Coach
A reader of this blog (oh, you read that right) recently asked me an unfair question. He requested a reading list on the good life. What can we read and consider that will make us more capable of facing down the next 50 or so years? His question was unfair because, really, that is the …
A Fair Fight
A friend of mine grew up in a house of discussion, debate, and disputation. Every topic was a fresh opportunity for disagreement. They weren’t fighting with each other, mind you, just talking with passion. It was the family past-time, and they knew how to do it without hurting one another’s feelings. This same friend’s wife …
Minimalism of the Soul
I was recently provoked to envy by an Instagram post. I realize that is the main purpose of Instagram – to show us meticulously staged moments which make our own lives seem drab. But this time it was in the description more than the image that I glimpsed an enviable vision of the good life. …
The Case for Wonder
Why did humans ever begin to philosophize, to create literature, or to make scientific experiments? What has been the animating force behind this remarkable project known as civilization? Among the many possible answers, consider the case for wonder. Philosophy was, from the start, awe-inspired. Plato said that, “philosophy begins in wonder.” Aristotle agreed that “it …
A Feast for the Soul
Allow me to give you a piece of marriage advice: things will be easier if only one of you cares about food. Otherwise, planning for dinner parties becomes a battle of wills. Your spouse feels that a double-crusted turkey pot pie would be nice, while you want very badly to make 48 hour short ribs. …