Seasonal changes often allow us the ability to slow down, reflect and reevaluate direction. This year was no different. 2019 was one of the most intense and deliberate years for writing that I’ve undertaken since I started this blog back in April, 2013.
Ironically, I found myself writing less often, but publishing more. Despite this, 2019 was one of the biggest years for visitors, most of whom came for older theological articles, along with new political theology or homeschool inspired content.
This, of course, is good news, while I can’t boast some of the stats enjoyed by some (nor would I really want to anyway), the stats clearly show that this blog isn’t dead.People seem to find some benefit from my own intellectual journey and the fumbling reflections, thoughts and/or opinions I share as I move through it.
With the close of the decade and the promise of a new one, a few things become clearer. The first is that my involvement with Caldron Pool has taught me to take writing more seriously. I think it’s fair to say I’ve matured from being a simple blogger, to an actual writer. How far this impacts the nature of this blog is something that I’ll work on as the privilege of working with the Caldron Pool team continues to take shape in the year ahead.
The second is more of an introspective acknowledgement that vocationally speaking, I’m drawn to the life of an independent scholar. This is primarily because we homeschool our children, and secondarily because finding a place in the academic world isn’t easy. It’s bloated, competitive, and not all that open to a theologian who supports the current concerns of conservatives; and that’s being generous. The reality is a whole lot darker. What I see a lot of is the inference that “if you don’t fit the Leftist mould, don’t bother applying.”
I’ve also noticed that one of my biggest struggles when it comes to writing is the constant distraction of social media; which is, as most of you would agree, is a mixed blessing. It’s almost an imposed necessity. One that I would easily part with (particularly Twitter), if there was another way of connecting with people, and connecting articles with those people, on a regular basis.
All this said, thank you to those who, by regularly reading what I write, help keep this blog alive.
I pray your New Year is blessed beyond words.
Here are the top 10 articles from this year:
1. Nearly Half the Blood Shed in the 20th Century Was caused by Socialism, So why Is Socialism Promoted as a positive alternative to Capitalism.
2. Criticism of Trump’s Syrian Decision is Misplaced & Ignorant, Here’s Why
3. Prager U’s Uphill Battle Against Uncalled-for, Unnecessary & Unethical Censorship
4. The Defiant Voice of the Discerning Voter: Scott Morrison’s LNP Shock Win, & What Must Happen Next
5. Preaching In Hitler’s Shadow: Enter Karl Barth
6. The Calls for an Indigenous Australian Voice in Parliament Are Vague, Confusing & Thankless
8. ACL Researcher, Dr Elisabeth Taylor: Subjective Relativism in Post-Structualist & Queer Theory
10. The original error of Leftism: Proton-Pseudos, Hysteria, Propagandists & Imaginary Oppression
Special mentions:
# Review: Natasha Crain, Talking with Your Kids about God
# The Attacks on Israel Folau Come from an Ignorance of History. Such Ignorance Invites Tyranny.
# A Layman’s Guide to The Separation of Church & State: What it is & What it’s Not
# In the Realm of Recently Released Homeschool Friendly Console Games, ‘Subnautica’ Rules the Waves
Photo by NordWood Themes on Unsplash
© Rod Lampard, 2019
Rod Lampard 