An Update and an Apology

Also a return to form

Photo by Joanna Kosinska on Unsplash

My dear Readers,

For any of you who have been following me since (or before) my Patheos days, you will know that the epistolary format is how I used to write all of my posts. While I enjoy writing a proper essay with a hook to get the reader interested, there is something about this format that allows for writing to flow more freely. And when it is easier to begin, it is easier to continue. And lately, writing has been a bit of a struggle for me. So, a return to form like this might be just what I need to get writing again.

First, however, I want to apologize (something I often do at the start of letters I write by hand and send through the post). Twice now have I promised you a series of posts and have yet to deliver. I definitely hope to finish my reflections on The Abolition of Man soon, but I’m not certain when that will be.

Second, this post is going to be less of an essay or article and simply more of an update. Things have been fairly busy lately, but with Lent (and some of my Lenten fasts) being here, I should actually have some more time for writing. So, let me tell you about what I’ve been up to lately.

As most of you know, I am a teacher at a classical, Catholic school in the Inland Northwest. This year I’m teaching two sections of Medieval and Renaissance Literature (a Junior-level course), two sections of Creed and Sacraments (another Junior-level course), and Foundations of Medieval Philosophy (a Sophomore-level course). Practically what this means is that I’m currently reading Don Quixote (volume 1 only) and the Nicomachean Ethics, alongside having some discussions about what it means that the Church is one, holy, catholic, and apostolic. This semester I’m also leading a six-week course on C.S. Lewis’s That Hideous Strength for the adults in our school community.

Outside of the classroom, I’m writing a stage play of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight with an eye toward having high school students perform it. I’m also (still) working on my book on C.S. Lewis, Dante, and the spiritual importance of the Medieval Cosmos, particularly as it is related to the character of each planet.

Finally, I am very pleased to say that I will be presenting a paper at the upcoming Undiscovered Lewis Conference at George Fox University. I’ll be presenting a paper (which I now have to write) titled, “The Atlantis Theory: Numenor and Elves in the Fictional World of C.S. Lewis.” I’m very excited to write and share a paper that is 99% just for fun.

So, as you can see, I am (or ought to be) very busy these days, and none of this touches on my most important roles of husband and father. Still, despite, and in many ways simply because, of all of this, I am hoping to be more present in this newsletter.

God’s many blessings on you all this Lent. I pray your fasting will lead you closer to who you truly are in Christ.

Sincerely,
David