Category: Columns

The President as Protestant Warlord

Miles Smith — February 25, 2025

The President as Protestant Warlord

This week US President Donald Trump wielded the startling powers of the United States presidency when he dismissed senior generals and replaced them with handpicked successors. While there was nothing…

Catullus in Vergil?: Pallas, Turnus, and the End of the Aeneid

E. J. Hutchinson — February 21, 2025

Catullus in Vergil?: Pallas, Turnus, and the End of the Aeneid

A theory on Catullus and the end of Vergil's Aeneid.

How Does the Bible Use the Word “Good”?

E. J. Hutchinson — February 13, 2025

How Does the Bible Use the Word “Good”?

Melanchthon on the meaning of "good" in the Bible, Stoicism, and Aristotle.

“Sons of the Greeks, Arise!”: Christianity, the Classics, and War in the 19th Century

Miles Smith — February 11, 2025

“Sons of the Greeks, Arise!”: Christianity, the Classics, and War in the 19th Century

The question of the Bible and Biblical authority defined debates among nineteenth century American Protestants as they appealed to the Christian scriptures to justify positions in political debates. Most Protestants…

“Nunc dimittis”: A Poem for the Presentation of Our Lord

E. J. Hutchinson — February 5, 2025

“Nunc dimittis”: A Poem for the Presentation of Our Lord

A poetic version of the "Song of Simeon," based on the fourth-century Latin poet Juvencus.

The Idea of the Christian Soldier in America History, 1800-1861

Miles Smith — February 4, 2025

The Idea of the Christian Soldier in America History, 1800-1861

My college recently started its Center for Military History and Strategy. We’ve been able to bring in some of the best historians whose work intersects military history, the Classics, philosophy,…

Holly as Homer, Dylan as Ennius: The Rock and Roll Singer as Epic Bard

E. J. Hutchinson — February 3, 2025

Holly as Homer, Dylan as Ennius: The Rock and Roll Singer as Epic Bard

On poetic inspiration and transmigration in Homer, Ennius, Buddy Holly, and Bob Dylan.

Charles Hodge, David Platt, and the Evangelicals’ (Dis?)Ordered Loves

Miles Smith — January 31, 2025

Charles Hodge, David Platt, and the Evangelicals’ (Dis?)Ordered Loves

In the third volume of Charles Hodge’s 1871 Systematic Theology, the Princeton Seminary professor offered a formula for how Protestants should understand moral responsibility in the context of what is…

“Send Carter, Bob, and Zevon”: When Mohammed’s Radio Played a Dylan Tune

E. J. Hutchinson — January 29, 2025

“Send Carter, Bob, and Zevon”: When Mohammed’s Radio Played a Dylan Tune

On a Dylan allusion in the live version of Warren Zevon's "Mohammed's Radio."

Dionysius of Alexandria and Christian Allegiance to the Pagan Empire

Andrew Koperski — January 26, 2025

Dionysius of Alexandria and Christian Allegiance to the Pagan Empire

Let's throw another monkey wrench into the plentiful oversimplifications of Christian-Roman relations.