a journal of my adventure back to college to finish my degree

 
Another Adventure Begins

I've begun a new blog.

If you link me, or update your link to my new site, please send me a note at
ideolog-AT-gmail-DOT-com
and I'll place your site under my "reciprocal links."

On the new blog ("Honest To Blog") keep an eye out for updates to my personal web page, developments in the continuing epic of my getting-schooled, and regular (DV) articulations of occurrences and critical observations.
posted by Baus at 3:21 PM

 
The (next to) Last Word

So I’ve completed my Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy… only twelve years after graduating highschool.

Trying to sum up my feelings about it all, I considered authoring a sort of valedictorian speech. Alas, I was far from first in my class, and I don’t think I have the energy to compose it. In brief, I’m unspeakably thankful to God for the mercy He has shown me in these (past 12) years. And I couldn’t have made it through without my several dear friends, who challenged and questioned me, encouraged me and saved me from the brink of despair, rebuked me, believed in me, listened to me, loved me, and shared good things with me without hesitation. And I continue to look up to those few professors and other teachers and mentors who enlightened, motivated, and guided me. And last, but not least, I thank my parents who prayed without ceasing and largely funded my schooling adventure.

I don’t mean to end on a negative note, but as I ponder the obvious question of “now what?” I am filled with a devilish dread. A friend suggested that I am experiencing “post-accomplishment let-down syndrome.” Perhaps. Or, it could be that the reality of my poverty, homelessness, job-lessness, car-lessness, etc-lessness, is hardly mitigated by a mere diploma (which I have yet to actually receive in the mail).

I just don’t know what to do now… and my options are severely limited by a number of factors I’m too embarrassed to recite here. Of course, I have ultimate “plans” (D.V.) for graduate school; for a Master’s and Doctorate in Philosophy. But I am a man without capital. Enough said I suppose.

So, the adventure continues…
Check back soon (within the month) for a link to my new blog.

I want to thank all my readers for their interest and attention, despite the less than comprehensive or comprehendable nature of this journal.


posted by Baus at 10:54 PM

 
Not That Anyone Asked

Actually, a friend at my parents' church did bring up the issue, and we briefly swapped opinions. That's the kind of "home coming" I genuinely enjoy: "Hey, long-time-no-see. So, are you convinced by thus&such an argument... what's your view on...?"
Anyway, maybe you wonder why I am not an "exclusive" psalmist?
Here's the basic argument. And here's another statement on the matter.

posted by Baus at 1:36 AM

 
The Big Three-Oh

A few belated words here on turning thirty years old (as of the 3rd of May).
Many a philosopher, from Pythagoras to Buddha and since, have held that true philosophy is "Meditation On Death." Various church fathers picked up on the ancient theme and tried to emphasize its biblical import.

Anyway, it has been my custom to visit a cemetery on my birthday and contemplate my own mortality.
I recommend the practice to you all. The trivialities of your brief existence might just be seen for what they are as you stand at the precipice of eternity.

As for me, as I stood in the weedy grass among the stones and bones, the words of Chan Marshall (aka Cat Power) were with me.
I don't know if she's a Scripture reader or what. She must be. These lyrics are from her album "Moon Pix."

Learn to say the same thing
Let us hold fast to saying the same thing
What defeats people is a double confession
One time they will confess one thing
And the next they will confess something else
If you're looking for something easy
You might as well give it up
Learn to say the same thing
Let us hold fast to saying the same thing

In one way or another this doctrine has been my theme for the past 5 years. I feel quite alone in appreciating its crucial significance... a sad burden. So, I'm looking for the 7,000 who feel the same.
I hate to be so cryptic about it. I hope you understand me.
Those are my sober thoughts as I step into a fourth decade.

posted by Baus at 1:11 AM

 
Comment t'aimes ces pommes?
(how do you like them apples?)

"Translating" various English idiomatic expressions into French has become a favorite passtime.
Anyway... here is a photo of my beginners class. I am standing far left, all squinty-like.


posted by Baus at 1:17 PM

 
Vertiginous Slopes

I'm in central-ish Quebec studying French via an immersion program at UQAC. The cognitive dissonance caused by immersion prevents me from saying much about my experiences here. Generally, I'm in class every morning then doing various activities in the afternoon. For instance, some afternoons I'm learning how to jig (la gigue)... the "quebecqois" version of Irish-type motionless-arms, tap/step folk dance. It's sort of like clogging without clogs.

I'm enjoying the program. I met several interesting people; two in particular have become good "camp" friends... if you've been to summer camp as a kid, you understand ---fast bonding in a pool of strangers. I think I'm learning a little bit of French too. I'll be here for about 2-3 more weeks. Then... only the Lord knows. Let's hope for graduate school in Toronto.

I'm contemplating starting a new blog. I'll be sure to let you know about it.
Until the next entry here... content yourselves with finding out more about things the tourist bureau thinks you should know about this town of Chicoutimi.

Also, read up on the Reformed Church of Quebec.
And you might find interest in a French Dooyeweerdian.
Go to Google's language tools if you want to translate any of the pages.


posted by Baus at 8:29 PM

 
Blast From The Past

Cleaning off my desk and packing up all my things... I found this note I remember scribbling down one very bitter evening.

"Here in Ancaster the snow comes down harsh
the atmosphere is all dust
forming a landscape of fine white sand
a rippling desert of dunes
in the relentless, biting wind.
Plowing and shoveling is useless.
Tracks and paths are covered in minutes.
It is cold, cold, cold... and dark."

posted by Baus at 12:47 AM

 
Dooyeweerdian Farmer With Website

I knew guys like this had to exist somewhere.
posted by Baus at 3:44 PM

 
Thinking Global

My brother, Jeffrey, makes a very interesting website from Germany known to me... I'd like to make it known to you. You want to know about Calvinism Worldwide? They say: "reformed-online.net is a global internet information service and a platform for communication. reformed online welcomes Reformed Protestants worldwide to use its comprehensive and reliable collection. Its statistical data, texts and documents are aimed both at Reformed churches and at all those who are interested, and intendeded to contribute to research and teaching. A further education programme will complete the service. reformed online will bridge the gap to Christians living in poorer countries."

Here's their page on the History of the Reformed Church in Europe.
In all likelihood, these folk are theologically "liberal," but the site seems to be a worthy project.

posted by Baus at 12:35 AM

 
To Be Rash

"In my heart there was a kind of fighting, that would not let me sleep... Our indiscretion sometimes serves us well, when our deep plots do pall: and that should teach us there's a divinity that shapes our ends, rough-hew them how we will"

posted by Baus at 1:44 AM

 
Power in a Union

Students of Hamilton unite to advance the cause of International Christian Trade Unionism and Biblical social principles in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. I was priveleged to work on the draft committee for the vision, mission statement, and principles. Word on the street is that students in Alberta are also on the move. Can't wait to see how things turn out there. Redeemer students are getting curious, as we get ready for action next year.
posted by Baus at 6:17 PM

 
How I Became An Immortal

This is a sort of vainglorious way of announcing (James) Gordon Anderson's new web domain.
Don't fail to check out my one and only "iconigraphication." My mother does not find it flattering, but that's not the point (although I find it quite flattering). Trust me, it looks like me. Dad agrees anyway.
posted by Baus at 4:58 PM

 
The Seerveld Touch

I've got a new favorite word: Hineinlebenshaltung...
perhaps more on that later.
posted by Baus at 2:06 AM

 
A Story For You

Way back around the 15th - 22nd Feb. I had a "reading break." As my sister was getting married, I went to my parents'. Just when I thought heading south might entail relief from the frozen netherworld that is Canada, a meter of snow falls in Catonsville. I spent two days digging them out (at a fair price), shoveling around 1800 cubit feet of snow at around 5 tons --or so my engineer father tells me. It is now no mystery to me why the pagan north Europeans conceived of "hell" as darn cold.

By Wednesday I was able to sojourn briefly in Harrisburg, visiting commrade Aaron and (to my ignorant surprise) Josh. Nathan was off with Tiff celebrating her birthday... factoid: she is now as old as he was when they first started dating. I didn't call Scott, which I hope he doesn't hold against me... I only had one day in town to spare.

Brother Gary came in that night, and brother Jeff the next day. So we went out Thursday evening to have drinks at the spot where I said goodbye to Baltimore and friends six months ago. Friday we set out for the wedding. I met my new in-laws at the rehersal dinner, one of whom attends my alma mater. The ceremony was pleasantly brief and tasteful, and the reception was right up my alley... accept for a brief stint singing at the microphone, I could eat, hang-out, catch up with friends and relatives, and (secretly) drink a lot of booze with pals.

My in-laws are teatotaling... which I try not to criticize except when it comes to Eucharist, weddings, funerals, birthdays, major holidays, minor holidays, late night discussions, big meals, after work, and weekends. I mean, if you don't want to share a drink with me at 9am on Tuesday... I suppose you can still be a Christian. Who am I to judge?

Anyway, we drove back home in the worst fog I've ever seen in Maryland. I don't know about everyone else in the car, but I was stinkin' cranky. We pulled over for coffee and a donut... and got back on the wrong highway. It was just one of those nights. We did manage to hear some pretty sweet late night college radio, however. It reminded me why I once contemplated living a life of crime... well, that was one of the times I contemplated such things. Don't be frightend.

Sunday, Gary and I attended church with Jeff. At the coffee hour I had a swell conversation with one of the rectors about Phenomenology and philosophy of religion. He was a big fan of Levinas. He was unfamiliar with Calvinistic developments. That afternoon I was able to see more of Keenan and also visit with Gordon and Steph. Good times.

Then I had to get on a plane and fly back to Buffalo where my buddy Jonathan of St. Catherine's would pick me up and drive me back to school. Jonathan drove me out to the airport at the beginning of the trip, and we had a jolly time kicking around Niagara-on-the-lake. At BWI they took my wisker scissors, and it bothered me inside... but I decided to turn it into a point of bragging... how I'm making tremendous sacrifices for our national security. America should chip-in an get our hero (me) a new pair of wisker scissors.

I really didn't do much reading over reading-break. But Jeff asked me to flip through his Cornel West Reader. Sadly, I wasn't super-impressed. But I like the "activist-scholar" vocational concept that is so dear to West. In anycase, I got back to school in time for my Tuesday class. But I was exhausted the rest of the week. I think I'm recovered now, but there's quite a bit going on... stay tuned.
posted by Baus at 5:27 PM

 
In The Void

There's an eerily beautiful and simple tune composed and performed back-in-the-day by one of my brother's many highschool bands. I don't know if I've got the lyrics quite right. But sometimes this song comes to me with a chill, and I embrace the pain... let it wrap me like a shroud.

"...long snowy nights
and rumors --they call
waiting in fear
for your soul to fall
a runaway flees
dropping the knife

...there's nothing
in the world
that I can call mine."

posted by Baus at 11:58 PM

 
Presentations

In my Intro to Theater course, we were assigned "production groups." Our task is to hypothetically put on a full-scale production. This includes budget considerations, etc. We're putting on John Osborne's Luther.
We also have a class presentation on "theater of the absurd," which we are doing as a theater of the absurd. I hope this works.

In my Asian Philosophy class I'll soon be doing a presentation on the ancient game called "go." If you are interested in the rules, here is a fairly basic explanation, step by step. The "next" button is in the top right corner of the screen.
posted by Baus at 4:14 PM

 
Philosopher-King

Check out Kingdomality.
Yikes! This standardized test knows me too well.
It's like a career-personality quiz, but for the Middle Ages. It's what you "would have been" suited for.

I am "...The Benevolent Ruler might be found in most of the thriving kingdoms of the time. You are the idealistic social dreamer. Your overriding goal is to solve the people problems of your world. You are a social reformer who wants everyone to be happy in a world that you can visualize. You are exceptionally perceptive about the woes and needs of humankind. You often have the understanding and skill to readily conceive and implement the solutions to your perceptions. On the positive side, you are creatively persuasive, charismatic and ideologically concerned. On the negative side, you may be unrealistically sentimental, scattered and impulsive, as well as deviously manipulative. Interestingly, your preference is just as applicable in today's corporate kingdoms."
posted by Baus at 5:35 PM

 
Busman's Holiday

The semester ended, I took my exams, and I booked a room at Chez DeWaard in Hamilton. My friend, Ian, is a fellow CLACer and I thoroughly enjoyed his hospitality and learning about his vocation and recent projects.

On December 25th [articles and a sermon for your edification] I went to a friend's house and ate delicious food and drank her father's homemade wine. On New Year's Eve I went to another friend's house and met the extended family and helped make gravy.
I saw The Two Towers twice. I can't get over how excellent the Gollum scenes were. But the Gimli comic-relief bothered the tar out of me.

But I spent most of the break reading the following books:
Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath
Bouwsma's John Calvin: A Sixteenth-Century Portrait
Peck and Strohmer's Uncommon Sense
(re-read) Dooyeweerd's In The Twilight Of Western Thought

I intended on really getting into Steinbeck, but it was hard to concentrate with Ian's Calvin book sitting there on the coffee table. Eventually I dropped Grapes and gave in. Because I believe in the beauty/truth of literature, and because I don't want to become an ivory tower Philistine of a "specialized" scholar, I occasionally force myself to read novels (classics, of course). So, I'll continue with Grapes this semester. But the Calvin book was tremendous. This is no hagiography!
The author's postmodern religious orientation was horribly obvious in certain historical-psychological evaluations such as "Calvin was obsessed with order. He had a crazy tendency to impose structure on his environment and tried to make sense out of the world." Oh-no! Calvin committed a pomo-transgression! He tried to make sense of things! Anyway, you'd think the book would be horribly lame, given such ideological commitments of the author, but happily and paradoxically, since postmodern scholars believe consistency is a hobgoblin, they can frequently be insightful.

When I got back to school this past Monday, I went to the Registrar's office to confirm that all my ducks were in a row and I would be graduating. Alas, the silly child in charge of my file last semester had apparently lied to me, saying it was all good, but had sat on my transcripts and done nothing. The main official, Richard Wikkerink, however made up for months of slack in a few days and I am now approved for a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy with a double minor in History and Religion.

Sadly, I did not do well in French. But I will (D.V.) complete my modern foreign language requirement this summer in a 5 week program in Quebec. Soon I'll be able to converse with my brother in his native tongue and read the French Confession in the origninal (maybe).
The courses I'm taking this term are Biology, Asian Philosophy, Intro to Theater, Aestheics, and Academic Study of Scripture. I'm also sitting in on Ideologies.

It occurred to me that with all the bitter cold and snow up here, my 2-year southern California summer is being balanced out.
Thankfully, I now have a space-heater in my dorm room.
posted by Baus at 4:56 PM