Welcome to “Being Kindled”

Thinking is an activity often taken for granted. That’s not to say that people generally do not do enough thinking — though I’m certain we could all rightly confess some guilt in that regard — but that the manner in which one thinks is, in my own experience, a matter of too little conversation given the abundance of wrongheaded ideas. We are frequently remiss in presuming that our respective modes of thinking are monolithic, and it behooves every person to be perpetually attentive to those points where his thinking fails to align with truth.

The world, and Western culture, are inundated with bad ideas. By no means should we consider this a novel phenomenon but rather the perpetual challenge with which all cultures and individuals must and do contend. I’ve spent a great deal of time lately reading and discussing in much finer detail than I previously had the merits of many ideas, good and bad, prominent in the consciousness of the West today.

I don’t seek to explore only contemporary issues and questions. The intellect is, in itself, among the finest gifts we’ve received from the Creator. Consequently, knowledge for its own sake is a noble pursuit. Examining the ideas of the past is not only a joyful experience but also of indispensable utility in providing context and perspective for the present. Additionally, while my focus as a denizen of the West will tend toward the cultures and histories more-or-less loosely categorized as Western, I hope to incorporate knowledge of cultures not typically classed as belonging to that sphere for the same reasons already mentioned.

As I strive to grow more thoroughly versed in theology, philosophy, culture, and art, I intend to use this blog as a repository for ideas as I find, consider, respond to and even develop them myself. Lord willing, the thoughts I share here might prove to be fuel for contemplation, encouragement, and increased faith and understanding for us all in an age and culture in dire need of God’s truth, beauty and goodness.

If, as Heraclitus suggested, the world is all a flame, then we might seek light in those measures of it which are being kindled in hopes of partaking fruitfully thereof.

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. -Philippians 4:8 (KJV)