The Fourth Heaven

"The Fourth Heaven" is a reference to the Divine Comedy, by Dante Alighieri. In "Paradiso" (Cantos X-XIV), the Fourth Heaven is the sphere of the Theologians and Fathers of the Church. I would not presume to place myself on the same level as those greats, but I am interested in philosophy and theology; so the reference fits. I started this blog back in 2005 and it has basically served as a repository for my thoughts and musings on a wide variety of topics.

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Location: Riverside, California, United States

I am currently a graduate student in philosophy, doing research on theories of moral motivation and moral reasons. I'm also interested in topics in the philosophy of science--especially theories of explanation--and would like to become better acquainted with the writings of Kierkegaard, Husserl, and Heidegger. I am currently a member of the Free Methodist Church, have a broadly Evangelical Christian background, and am learning to better appreciate that tradition and heritage. I have a growing interest in historical and systematic theology (especially the doctrine of the Trinity and soteriology) and church history. I'm always thrilled when I get the chance to teach or preach. I like drawing, painting, and calligraphy. I really enjoy Victorian novels and I think "Middlemarch" is my favorite. I'm working on relearning how to be a really thoughtful and perceptive reader. I enjoy hiking and weight training, the "Marx Brothers", and "Pinky and the Brain".

Wednesday, March 01, 2006

2006 - 20: Finally!

Can it really have been two months since I last updated this thing. Goodness gracious!

So what’s happened since 06 January 2006? Hmm… Highlights:

(In no particular order...)
- Uncle Ron and Aunty Karen sent me presents for Epiphany.
- My parents, some relatives, and I visited my brother, David, at Fort Lewis, Washington. He was recently promoted to Private E2.
- The APU Symphonic Band performed at Disneyland and I got to spend the afternoon with Uncle David and Aunt Callista. We talked a great deal about philosophy. The Symphonic Band is working on some great music right now. I especially like Francis MacBeth’s Of Sailors and Whales, a five-movement suite based on scenes from Moby Dick.
- There’s been one midnight excursion to Mt. Baldy (in early January, before all the snow and rain).
- I’ve gone to Anjos (Japanese restaurant) once and Taco King (Mexican restaurant) seven or eight times.
- I’ve seen three-quarters of the seventh season of the Simpsons (complements of Josh)
- Last weekend was a great time with friends, enchiladas, monkey-bread, Mario Kart, Mystery Science Theater 3000 (“Monsters a Go-Go” and “Teenagers from Outer Space”)
- I’m taking basketball this semester for my PE credit. I’m beginning to enjoy it. Brendan has been helping me to improve my game.
- I’ve been on three or four hikes in Pasadena, Azusa Canyon, and Garcia Trail with Kevin and other friends.
- Sean and Sheena have visited twice from LA Term.
- I’ve performed a couple times with the Pep Band at APU’s Men’s Basketball Games.
- I spent a Saturday at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (also with Kevin).
- I saw Thomas Hanson’s Senior Trumpet Recital (my first recital of the semester).
- I’ve visited often with Christie and had dinner with Brooke; hurray for Oxford-semester friends!
- I gave a thirty-minute presentation on philosophy-of-science in my Physical Science class. (Just a teensy-bit overtime.)
- I’ve rejoined the APU Men’s Chorale and been having a great time with that. The setup crew is an awesome group of guys.
- I’m beginning to work with acrylic paints. Kevin helped me to get a starter set, so I’ve periodically dabbled in that.

Hopefully I'll update again some time before 01 May 2006. Two months is a long time and a great deal can happen over the course of sixty days.

Until next time,
Blessings all,