We began last time (part 1) by introducing a positive definition of chivalry, following Kenelm Digby’s Broadstone of Honour. In it he states that chivalry is that “spirit or state of mind which disposes men to heroic and generous actions and keeps them conversant with all that is beautiful and sublime in the intellectual and moral world.” It … More What is Chivalry? (Part 2)
We often hear the phrase, “chivalry is dead.” And by this it is not always clear what is being referred to. By chivalry do they mean romantic feeling? Or perhaps knights in shining armor or ladies in waiting? Or is it castles, flying banners, and fire-breathing dragons? Probably all-of-the-above. In all such cases I suppose … More What is Chivalry? (Part 1)
There is a word which seems to find little use today. And though it covers the pages of the English Bible and permeates the entire history of Christendom, it seems to have nearly fallen off the proverbial map of common parlance. That word is honor. And with its disappearance there has also withdrawn from us an … More Honor: A Lost Wor[l]d
“I do nothing on my own authority, but speak just as the Father taught me” (John 8:28b). “I know that his commandment is eternal life. What I say, therefore, I say as the Father has told me… The Father is greater than I… [so] I do as the Father has commanded me” (John 12:50; 14:28b, … More Our (God) Problem with Patriarchy
Today (Dec. 28th/29th) the Church recognizes the deaths of the Holy Innocents who died in the place of the Christ child in Bethlehem at the order of Herod and recorded in the Gospel of Matthew. These innocent boy children are thus understood as the first martyrs in the Church. The historic validity of this event … More The Holy Innocents
I’ve written elsewhere about Jesus as “son of the carpenter” (Mt. 13:55). This short statement from the gospel can be understood in terms of Christ’s unique filial relationship to both God the Heavenly Father, and divine architect of the universe; and St Joseph, husband of the Virgin Mary, the human provider and protector of Jesus … More Holy, Hidden, Father
“Isn’t this the carpenter’s son?” (Mt. 13:55). How many times have we heard this phrase from the Gospel? And we might have been tempted to hear it merely as a mundane description used by Jesus’s enemies. The word in Greek, tekton, however, can be translated anywhere from “builder,” “workman,” and more exactly “carpenter” or “craftsman … More The Carpenter’s Son
Christ’s disciples are called even to ‘sell’ their possessions if needs be, in order to defend the Church and Christians. … More Sell your Cloak, Buy a Sword
“I am in fact a Hobbit (in all but size). I like gardens, trees, and unmechanized farmlands” — Tolkien … More Where Gardeners are Held in High Honor
THE MEDIEVAL PROFESSOR 