The Parable of the Ignoramus in the Pharmacy

The medieval Jewish philosopher and poet Judah ha-Levi, writing in his Kitab al Khazari, put forth a certain parable to explain the dangers of unauthorized or unqualified agents trying to dispense knowledge and wisdom. He is like an ignoramus who enters the surgery of a physician famous for the curative power of his medicines. The physician … Read more

The Bloggerati

For a few years now I have been kicking around a particular neologism in my correspondences with some of my friends and acquaintances. Although I am apparently not the first to use this term (see here and here), I do believe I am the first to use it in a Mormon “bloggernacle” context. I can … Read more

Finding God in Nature

Inside the Sacred Grove. While serving as a missionary in New England, I heard it all the time: “Oh, I don’t need organized religion. I can find God when I go in nature.” I would scoff to my companion after the encounter. “Really, you tree-hugging Vermonter hipster? You can find God in some trees?” Being … Read more

Peterson and Hamblin v. Park: Round Two!

Visual approximation of Hamblin and Park having a “discussion.” Ben Park has responded to Bill Hamblin and Dan Peterson’s critiques of his article at the Times and Seasons blog (here). Bill has also posted responses from Grant Hardy and “Smallaxe” at his blog (here and here), as well as his own follow-up comments (here). Leaving … Read more