February 1, 2009
No really, I seriously did.
At the time, I was frustrated with that person’s eulogy of the beloved Fr. Richard John Neuhaus (someone who, I might add, will not be remembered at the Yale Catholic Fellowship’s Marquand Chapel service February 5th, though they will be honoring Avery Cardinal Dulles, who was also theologically and politically solid). Of course, my old blog saw around three visitors a day. Why not tell that person to do what I thought would be appropriate in his case…said action rhyming with duck.
Fast-forward to three days later in the Refectory, where I was eating my daily bagel and coffee…when I get an email message congratulating me for making Mr. Bottum’s reading list.
“What do you mean,” I responded, perplexed.
“Your excellent analysis of Doug Kmiec’s eulogy,” he sends back.
Oh dear…
Yes, Mr. Bottum had found my post the same day I posted it, and had linked to it on the First Things blog. I was receiving an astonishing amount of traffic to my site (I mean…I was the only link in his analysis of that person’s eulogy). In fact, I had received an email from that person two days before I even knew that my three person readership had turned into a few hundred (I may post that email, and my response, at some point).
Imagine my surprise…I’d rather have been noticed by First Things for my scholarship (and perhaps my analysis of that person’s eulogy was indeed insightful). But, I suppose you take your meager fame where you can get it.
All that being said, here are the blogs that kindly mentioned my “excellent analysis.” There is this one and this one, and the original post here. In two cases, I special guest star in the comments section.
Update: I found one more blog.
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Posted by T. Ambrose Nazianzus
July 21, 2008
In a previous post, I had originally made dismissive remarks about the fact that I may never get my question answered.
However, what should come into my mailbox on Sunday (fitting) but an email from our Creative Director. Turns out he is, like I am, a student (at Dallas Theological Seminary…which, I’m inclined to call the “Anglicum of the Evangelical Movement.” At the very least, its not heterdox like my humble school). He also seems to have a newborn, plus two other children. Considering that burden, I’m more likely to cut him some slack. At least, he responded (and he isn’t even the official teaching pastor!).
He would like to start up a dialogue. I’m inclined to do so. In many respects, we may be talking past each other (at the very least, specific and important aspects of our theology will come into conflict). However, there are many ways that we may compliment each other, as well. I’m interested to see how it plays out.
This occasion to “eat crow,” so to speak, is very helpful. One can’t say that God doesn’t encourage humility. At the very least, it forces me to consider what will be the ultimate telos of this blog. Am I trying to establish my own “rock star pastorship,” in terms of being a “rock star lay preacher/blogger”? Should I be concerned whether anyone reads it (if its meant to be read, God will bring the people, won’t he?). I suppose, in a sense, I’d like to reconsecrate this blog to Him, then. It’ll be very much full of me (my personality is a little too forceful to hide, I’m afraid). However, I hope it ultimately works towards His glory.
That is all I can ask for, at the very least.
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Posted by T. Ambrose Nazianzus
May 28, 2008
For a long time (specifically, during my Diaspora experience in Florida, which is only slightly cooler than a Galilean desert), I kept up a blog. I’m not too sure what the point of the blog was, though I will suggest it was necessary for me to keep my sanity. That being said, I hope to do few things with this new blog:
1. Give an account of my experience in Divinity School, from the perspective of a Catholic (a convert no less), and from my fairly Orthodox (i.e. conservative) position. Lets not take this “conservative” position too far. I’m attending a Protestant Div. School, and have a demonstrated interest in Eastern Orthodoxy. I’m also occasionally liberal in my politics. Perhaps I should call myself a libertarian Catholic? I’m not sure how that would work either.
2. Provide quotes and commentary on Catholic issues, and how it all can affect our lives. Pretty self-explanatory.
3. Provide quotes and commentary of an apologetic nature, at least as it concerns the Evangelical attack upon Catholics. This one is a trickier subject- Pope John XXIII once said that all Christian denominations have Christ written upon their forehead. I’m open to this interpretation: better to proclaim Christ crucified, than no Christ at all! But I begin taking issue with denunciations and conversion techniques against Catholics. Really, we’re the least of anyone’s problems at the moment.
(I would also advocate a hands-off approach concerning other religious traditions, but that wanders too closely to multiculturalism. I believe in Truth…and that makes life both more complicated and more meaningful).
4. Have fun, and practice this whole writing thing.
I hope you all enjoy the effort, and if not, please feel free to suggest improvements.
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Posted by T. Ambrose Nazianzus
