Capsule Reviews: Thomas Sowell’s Intellectuals and Society; Tolkien’s The Silmarillion

Here are short reviews of two interesting books I’ve read recently. Enjoy!...

Reading Versus Television: Which Is Better?

Which is better – to read a book or watch a television program? I’m a literature professor, a writer, and an avid reader. I bet you know what my answer will be. Don’t be so sure....

Advent and Christmas Poetry 4: Awe – John Donne’s “Holy Sonnet 15”

After the anticipatory and penitential season of Advent, we come to Christmas. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God… And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:1, 14) Christmas is the Feast of the Incarnation of Jesus Christ – the Word made flesh....

Advent and Christmas Poetry 3: Conversion – T.S. Eliot’s “Journey of the Magi”

We all know the story of the Three Kings, even if only from the chorus of “We Three Kings of Orient Are.” However, Holy Scripture does not call these men kings, but rather magi, “wise men from the east” (Matthew 2:1) who journeyed from a far-off land to offer gifts to the baby Jesus. But why did they make the trip? What did they hope to find – and what did they find?...

Advent and Christmas Poetry 2: Penitence and Patience – Gerard Manley Hopkins’ “Patience, Hard Thing!”

Christmas is a joyous season, for love, fellowship, giving, and relaxation – or at least we recognize that it ought to be, even if we get caught up in the snarls of everyday life, trying to shape  impossible expectations, family relationships, and Christmas shopping into something recognizably festive. Advent strikes a different note. Advent is about anticipation, but also penitence – and patience....