Madonna mit Kind, by Jacobus Leisten, c. 1918. A Christmas Carolby George MacDonald Babe Jesus lay in Mary's lap, The sun shone in his hair;And this was how she saw, mayhap, The crown already there. For she sang: "Sleep on, my little king; Bad Herod dares not come;Before thee sleeping, holy thing, The wild winds … Continue reading A Christmas Carol, by George MacDonald (Christmas 2024)
The Authority of Scripture as Story
This article was submitted to Tyndale University for Introduction to Christian Theology in Fall 2024. ~*~ La Leçon, by Pierre-Auguste Renoir, 1906 I recently read an article by theologian N.T. Wright on the authority of Scripture. Wright frames the authority of Scripture within the context of God’s authority. He says that “the phrase ‘authority of … Continue reading The Authority of Scripture as Story
Oh, Not When April Wakes the Daffodils, by Helena Coleman (Remembrance Day 2024)
Das Haferfeld, by Adolf Kaufmann, 1906 Oh, Not When April Wakes the Daffodilsby Helena Coleman Oh, not when April wakes the daffodils, And bob-o-links o’er misty meadows ring Their fluted bells, and orchards fleeced with Spring,go climbing up to crown the radiant hills;Not when the budding balm-o’-gilead spills Its spices on the air, and lilacs … Continue reading Oh, Not When April Wakes the Daffodils, by Helena Coleman (Remembrance Day 2024)
“Our Birth is But a Sleep and a Forgetting”: Romantic Era Gnosticism in Wordsworth’s Poetry
Despite my best efforts, I have had to lay aside the final article in “The Lady of Shalott” series until Summer 2025. It is a fascinating topic, but deserves more mental effort than I (in the depths of textbooks and looming exegesis papers) can give. I look forward to sharing it with you later! Enjoy … Continue reading “Our Birth is But a Sleep and a Forgetting”: Romantic Era Gnosticism in Wordsworth’s Poetry
Of Leaves…And Niggle
The Painter in his Studio, by Adriaen van Ostade, 1663 Dear friends and fellow travellers, Another autumn is upon us. Here in Toronto the trees are just beginning to blush crimson and yellow. The ravine paths are scattered with a thin layer of leaves and a faint smell of leafmeal is in the air. It … Continue reading Of Leaves…And Niggle
Thor is Taking a Nap
Despite my best efforts, the final post in the four-part "Lady of Shalott" series is not written yet. It shall be published in September. Wordstapas is on Hiatus Wordstapas will not be running during 2024-2025 Don’t despair—this is a hiatus, not a termination. After running strong for three years straight, Wordstapas is taking a break. … Continue reading Thor is Taking a Nap
Who is the Lady of Shalott?
This article is part of a series on “The Lady of Shalott,” by Alfred, Lord Tennyson. You can read the other articles by clicking on the links below. The Lady of Shalott, by Alfred, Lord Tennyson (Part I & II) The Lady of Shalott, by Alfred, Lord Tennyson (Part III & IV) ~*~ The Lady … Continue reading Who is the Lady of Shalott?
The Lady of Shalott, by Alfred, Lord Tennyson (Part III & IV)
During the next four months I will be studying “The Lady of Shalott,” by Alfred, Lord Tennyson. The first two posts will feature the complete poem alongside artwork and music. The final two posts will be summaries of my research on the background of the poem, its connection to Arthurian legend (also called the Matter of Britain), … Continue reading The Lady of Shalott, by Alfred, Lord Tennyson (Part III & IV)
The Lady of Shalott, by Alfred, Lord Tennyson (Part I & II)
During the next four months I will be studying “The Lady of Shalott,” by Alfred, Lord Tennyson. The first two posts will feature the complete poem alongside artwork and music. The final two posts will be summaries of my research on the background of the poem, its connection to Arthurian legend (also called the Matter … Continue reading The Lady of Shalott, by Alfred, Lord Tennyson (Part I & II)
Reflections on Translating the New Testament
The following reflection was submitted to Tyndale University for Elementary New Testament Greek, Winter 2024. ~*~ Saint Jerome, by Caravaggio, c. 1605 As I have studied and translated New Testament Greek over the last eight months, I have realised that translation is hardly a straightforward process. There are moments of marvelous recognition and understanding, and … Continue reading Reflections on Translating the New Testament
Remembered Lore