The Philosophical Optimist

              I am currently working on a book of a theological sort.   I am hoping to show here at least some portions of it as they develop.   So below is a beginning in the form of a brief essay:             This book is intended as a rather unusual essay—or series of essays—in theological reflection.   It is not entirely philosophical theology; nor is it purely traditional.   In fact, it approaches various questions from various unconventional, yet, I am convinced, fruitful, angles.             Let us start with some basic orienting principles for this work.   I am a firm believer that everything is—ultimately, at least—interesting, and worth knowing.   I also believe that all things are interconnected (and that making those connections is one of the ways we show how interesting thi...

              I’m sure I’m late in saying it, but it seemed right to express my utter delight at the return of David Tennant as the Doctor.   His appearance at the climax of the regeneration special “The Power of the Doctor” was—for me, at least—totally unexpected, and so all the more enjoyable.   It is not often that I see something on the TV screen that makes me stand up and cheer, but this did.   Tennant’s return promises to shine a little light into what has been for many of us a rather dreary decade.   Welcome back, Mr. Tennant.             Now, mind: I am not trying to be critical of Jodie Whitaker, who did a fine job during her time as the Doctor; but, as a Shakespeare fan, if for no other reason, I have a particular soft spot for David Tennant.   All we need now is an appearance by Sir Patrick Stewart on the show, if he’s not too busy. ...