Historie

The Lovely Abigail Adams

2011-12-10T07:52:00.000-08:00

This has been a wonderful semester, and I have particularly enjoyed teaching the course on the American Revolution again. In addition to the Middlekauf text, the students had to read either Paul Revere's Ride by David Hackett Fisher or Deareest Friend by Lynne Withey. In this reading, the students had to maintain a book journal--thier own analysis of the material in the book. This assignment is less formal, but more involved than a book review.

Several of the students chose the biography of Abigail Adams, Dearest Friend. I am so pleased by how she (Mrs. Adams) is inspiring these young people over 200 years after her birth. Feminists have latched on to Mrs. Adams and have attempted to make her an icon for their cause. She took care of her home and family during her husband's many absences in his service to the young country. She earned the disdain of many of her contemporaries by involving herself in the politics of the day.
Abigail's father was a parson and raised her not only in the nurture of the Scriptures, but in an environment that encouraged "book learning" as well. Her deep love for her husband combined with the natural and nurtured inquisitiveness she possessed together almost seemed to compel her participation in matters outside the then typical sphere of influence of the woman of Colonial America.

Feminists have seized upon this aspect of Abigail's life, and I think they have misinterpreted her heart's desire. Scripture tells us that part of Eve's punishent was to desire her husband's place (Genesis 3:16), but that doesn't describe Abigail at all. Her desire was to support her husband--to maintain the home and family as he needed. He often turned to her for advice and support, respecting her intellect and trusting in her absolute devotion to him. She was free to speak her mind and disagre with John(which she often did), but she always put his best interest above her own.

Several of the young ladies in the course have spoken with me about this book and the life of our second First Lady. They seem, without exception, to be moved most by her love for God and for her husband.

I am grateful to be teaching in an atmosphere where we can openly champion these values.

Catherine Drinker Bowen 1897-1973

2011-10-16T11:16:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite historians is Mrs. Catherine Drinker Bowen; she penned marvelous biographies as well as an inspiring account of the American Constitutional Convention. She researched her topics meticulously and passionately, searching for the story amidst facts, the narrative within the details. This year, I used her work, John Adams and the American Revolution to expand my lecture about Adams' role in the defense of the British soldiers following the Boston Massacre. She took us all back to a Boston hostile to these "redcoats." I read much of her account to the class, and they loved it!

Mrs. Bowen fell under quite a bit of criticism because she did not pursue formal training (college degrees in History). Yet, she was dedicated to both history and historiography. She knew where her interpretations of events and lives fell within the spectrum of others. Like Barbara Tuchman and Esther Forbes, she did not pursue "women's history." My advisor, Professor Kermit Hall, gently admonished us that we needed more women historians, not women doing women's History. He was so right!

As for Mrs. Bowen and her generation, I want to say that as a student of history independent of a particular graduate program, she was free to really search for History as opposed to a "usable past" to promote a specific agenda. In her day just as in the current, History represents a field with one of the most liberal and manipulative mindsets. The recent trend is to tear down those that may have brought some "exceptionalism" to our past (the left does however always seem to give Jefferson a pass, though, despite his slave holdings and despite the fact that he ran and hid when the British came to Virginia!). This past week, our family went to Barnes and Noble. I was thrilled to see a new biography of Ethan Allen. The review on the back made mention of how this marvelous new biography (I am paraphrasing) told us all of the failings of this once-revered character from the Revolutionary era. Is that the goal? The goal should be providing an accurate (as much as possible) account of biography, and that might well sling a bit of dirt. However, that goal is a far cry from tearing down to tear down.

I am grateful for my education at UF in the History Department there, but sometimes I think the field is hurt by what and how we're taught--not the facts, but the agenda. Mrs. Bowen and her generation of true historians seem to be lost, relegated to the now-disappearing shelves of library books written before 1990. Barbara, Esther and Catherine all have their places on my shelves, and believe me, no dust is gathering.

The History of Historie

2011-10-14T09:23:00.000-07:00

I started blogging some time ago when I saw Miss Linda's beautiful blog, Threads of Loveliness. At that time she used this beautiful brown and aqua background from Michelle Baird's Shabby Creations. Miss Linda now uses a different background so I am going to honor her and Michelle with this as my new background. Everything old is new again! Thanks, Miss Linda and Michelle for your inspiration and creativity!

Those Were the Days

2011-10-11T14:00:00.000-07:00

In graduate school, before Michael and kids, my little Church on Archer Road and the NBA were my world! I remember trying to get research papers done early in the Fall term to clear my calendar for the beginning of the season. This marvelous play is my all-time favorite. The Celtics were about to lose the game, their home -court advantage and probably the Eastern Conference Finals--this was the year when they struggled to win out of the Garden. To lose at home in this game would have ensured loss of the play offs and ended hope for a return to the Finals against the Lakers.

But in the last seconds of the game, the Leprechaun made his appearance. Bird stole the ball from a careless in-bound pass from Isaiah. He threw the ball to the always-ready DJ who in turn made an impossible reverse lay up. Now this was a game!

In grad school, I would go home when I could to watch the games with Daddy. He passed away just about two months after Michael and I were married. I stayed a little while with Moma before returning to Statesboro. When I did get home, Michael had connected the cable for me so I could watch the season begin. We could not afford this luxury but he knew what the NBA had meant to me and to my relationship with my Dad.

In 1994, our oldest son made his appearance during the play-off season. As I awaited his arrival in a great deal of discomfort, I was actually able to watch a game being played on a tv in my room. The nurse came in and sweetly but firmly told Michael that it might be a good idea to turn off the tv; he sweetly but just as firmly wouldn't let her do it, and said, "I'm not the one watching it!"

These were Basketbal'ls greatest days: Larry, Kevin, Michael Jordan, Kareem, Dominique, Dr. J and other Titans- they were physical giants with a professional zeal and love for the game that seemed to outweigh their love for money. Where are they today?

LeBron James abandoned the franchise that supported him, all to avoid state income taxes. Sadly, he is not alone in his avarice. Today, the 2011/12 season has been put on hold so that players can fuss about the salary cap and owners can insist on greater profits. Why don't those people with so much time on their hands protesting Wall Street pay a visit to the homes of LeBron and others on both side of this ridiculous and incredibly poorly-timed lockout?

Our Own History Maker

2011-10-09T18:14:00.000-07:00

John Thomas was selected to participate this summer in two different trips, both of which took him to D.C. and beyond. The second of the two trips was part of the Liberty Education Tour, sponsored by the Reagan Legacy Foundation. Here he is with Michael Reagan. On this tour, he met Steve Hayes and Jonah Goldberg and actually talked to Ann Coulter (yikes! she scares me sometimes). Dad was able to travel with him on either side of the tour, getting him to D.C. to meet up with the group and then attending his "graduation" from the program in California at the Reagan Library.

I didn't realize how tall John Thomas had grown--he is 3 inches shorter than his brother (who is 6'4). I think he looks pretty snappy in his red tie!

Go, Greta, GO!

2011-10-09T18:05:00.000-07:00

I have always liked Greta van Susteren, but never more than lately when she has taken on the smarmy Tucker Carlson. Go, Greta, Go!

Comments?

2011-10-04T19:20:00.000-07:00

Dear followers, I am having trouble responding to comments on this blog. I cannot even post comments on the blogs of my friends. I am going to ask Virginia to help me straighten this out ASAP. Please stay tuned.

An Expanded Course

2011-10-02T04:57:00.000-07:00

Some time back, I was able to offer a summer readings course in the history of the First Ladies of the United States. This course was so much fun to teach, and the students seem to enjoy it as well. Last year, the course was revised for a full semester and approved by the faculty as a permanent course in the catalog. YAY! Several of our graduating History and Humanities majors were unable to take the original readings course, and asked if the course could be taught this Spring term. We rearranged my teaching schedule a bit in order to place this on the Spring schedule. I am so excited!

We will have so much more time to spend on each of the ladies.

Sadly, we have lost Mrs. Ford since the course was first taught. And, Jackie Kennedy has been under a bit more scrutiny with at least two new books (although their contents is really old news). Years ago when I taught the joint enrollment students in TN, one of the young ladies started to do her research for the required term paper. She had chosen Mrs. Kennedy as her subject. I told her she could not use the Kitty Kelley book, and that she must generally try to avoid some of the more salacious material out there about "Jackie." Within a short period of time, this very nice young lady did exactly as I knew she would--she asked to change her topic. Even within the confines of scholarly treatments of Mrs. Kennedy, finding something positive about her beyond her decorating skills and trendsetting styles proved difficult. I am surprised that everyone is so surprised by the new books "revealing" her less-than-generous attitudes toward everyone.

Having said that, Mrs. Kennedy was like all of us--she had her likes, dislikes and personal opionions which had nothing to do with our perception of her. All of the First Ladies have probably committed this unforgivable sin--not living up to our images of them!

Hopefully, we can find something positive about each of them in this 16-week overview.

Herman Cain!

2011-09-25T05:01:00.000-07:00

Having watched the Tea Party for the past months, I am more and more drawn to their values. Although there are some Libertarians there, the Tea Party seems a bit different. It seems to be a group of men and women who are plain ole working folks. I like that. That's all I will ever be.

Since we have been in Georgia, we have followed the career of Herman Cain. In his bid for the US Senate several years back, he conducted himself as a gentleman, and his stand on issues resonated with our own. On May 21st of this year, our family attened his rally in Atlanta where he announced his candidacy for the Presidency. He was not only a powerful speaker--he had something to say.

His victory in yesterday's Florida straw poll was stunning! This has to be a blow not only to Perry and Romney, but to the tired old establishment Republicans as well as the Democrats. Do you know who was probably most appalled by this victory? The Fourth Estate! They cannot wrap their minds around the idea of a Conservative black man, much less the idea that the Tea party isn't a political voice for the KKK. My opinion goes for Fox News, too. They lean right, but don't lean toward non-traditional political groups. Chris Wallace felt comfortable labeling Michelle Bachmann a "flake."

The Tea Party really represents what Nixon called "the silent majority"--Americans with traditional values, a strong work ethic and pride in their Country. They are not the lunatic fringe element nor are they the establish Republicans dedicated to protecting the wealth of a few. Michael just told me that the Wall Street Journal didn't even mention Cain in their article on Thursday's GOP debate. Maybe the Grand Old Party needs to realign ITSELF.

Paris Underground--A Post for Patsy

2011-05-28T06:01:00.000-07:00

Patsy, this book, Paris Underground is the true story of Mrs. Etta Schiber, an American woman trapped in occupied Paris. She wrote this shortly after her escape and return to America. Mrs. Schiber was a widow who lived with a close friend, a British woman separated from her husband. These two ladies lived in a Paris apartment and were able to successfully hide and relocate British soldiers who had been trapped after Dunkirk. A movie was made about Mrs. Schiber's story, but nothing compares to her account in written form. Her story reveals much about the mood of occcupied Paris.

His Peculiar Treasure

2011-05-20T05:06:00.001-07:00

Guess What . . .

2011-04-21T19:02:00.000-07:00

Clio (the muse of History) is telling Virgil and Melpomene? There is big news in the land of
Classical languages! Check it out at http://www.classicsinthewillows.blogspot.com/

Americans In Paris

2011-04-19T04:48:00.000-07:00

For many years, I have enjoyed learning about the period of German occupation in France during World War II. Recently, I purchased this fascinating book by Charles Glass, Americans in Paris: Life and Death Under Nazi Occupation. In this work, Glass chronicles the lives of a number of Americans as they face the overwhelming presence of the enemy.

My favorite character thus far is the Countess de Chambrun. She was Ohio-born Clara Longworth, and her infamous sister-in-law was none other than Alice Roosevelt Longworth. The Countess is marvelous in her fearlessness and as my mother would say, her "gumption." This is a great read and I would recommend it to any who are interested in the era.

Living in the Past

2011-04-16T06:32:00.000-07:00

This beautiful picture of Elizabeth and Phillip captures the beauty of a time long past and values that seem to be long lost. Until just recently, I have been so excited about the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton. What kind of dress will she wear? What will she be called? Kate or Catherine? I remember watching the wedding of Charles and Diana on a very small b & w television in our dorm. The heartbreak of that relationship and Princess Diana's tragic death made this upcoming wedding that much more promising--a loving couple with a bright future for a Nation steeped in the most wonderful traditions! So what's my issue?

A few days ago, I was reminded in an article of a fact I had put out of my mind: Prince William and Kate have lived together. The article congratulated "the Royals" for finally catching up with modern times by discarding those antiquated rules of morality.

As my husband says,
the world is changing, but not for the better.

Worshiping at the Feet of Baal

2011-04-03T07:49:00.000-07:00

Having studied the Constitution's history and present since my first class in Constitutional History in 1982, I feel I have a somewhat "informed opinion" about the actions of the Court. Since the Schenk case at the close of the First World War, the Court has taken it upon itself to defend the First Amendment with vigor. The famous and not so famous cases that have made their way through the dockets of history demonstrate that the Court has indeed pursued the promised "preferred positions" doctrine with respect to First Amendment freedom of speech and expression: in recent years amidst all of the clamor from the left that civil liberties were thrown under the bus by the Republican administrations, the Court has held firm in protecting the First Amendment. In 1989, the Court ruled that burning the flag of the United States as a means of political expression was Constitutionally protected; in 2002, the Court ruled that "virtual child porn" was also protected by the First Amendment. The rationale here was that no children were actually harmed in the production of the images. Now, the latest travesty: Snyder v. Phelps, et al. In this horrendous case, the Court upheld the right to protest at military funerals. I was deeply disappointed that Clarence Thomas and Antonin Scalia joined in Chief Justice John Roberts' majority opinion. Only Associate Justice Samuel Alito had the courage to stand up to the "Emperor with no clothes." The First Amendment's protection of freedom of speech was one of the most important features of the Bill of Rights--our country came into being because of the bravery of Thomas Paine and others who proved that the pen was indeed mightier than the sword--mobilizing colonial opinion to support the concept of independence. Bravo to Paine, Adams, Jefferson, and all these fearless men. We must always stand by this freedom of political speech; however, in their zeal to show their adoration for this right and to highlight its "preferred position" the Court has come to worship a god that does not exist. What would the founding fathers have thought about these cases which place a political ideal above decency and dignity? Madison and those men in Philadelphia in that hot summer of 1887 created an instrument of government to serve the people, not an empty god to be served by the people.

Arthur and his Times

2011-04-01T08:27:00.000-07:00

This summer, we will be able to offer the course on King Arthur and his times. I have wanted to teach this for some time! We will be using Malory's Le Morte d' Arthur as well as a biography of Malory himeslf.
Thomas Malory lived in an age when knights and chivalry were themselves under seige. The Knights Templar had all been destroyed by the French King, Philip IV (1268-1314). (When I teach about Philip, I refer to as the "history killer." ) "Bastard feudalism" had replaced the code of loyalty once held by European knights. In short, everything Malory was taught to hold dear had been destroyed by "changing times."

In this context, Malory wrote the fantastic tales of Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table. These great stories and characters no doubt possessed some place in history, but as with the tales of Homer, much has been added over the years of passing the stories along. Speaking of Homer, there is as much mystery about Malory as there is about the great blind bard from the ancient world the Aegean. As Homer attempted to capture the glory of the days of the Trojan War, so too did Malory try to recall a time when fealty meant more than money; honor, more than pride.

We will have a grand time looking at Arthur and for Arthur in the stories of a man as enigmatic as that great Celtic King.

Bethlehem, the City of David

2010-12-20T03:42:00.000-08:00

This week, our Sunday School lesson was from the beautiful account given by Luke in Chapter 2 of his Gospel. I had a thought--Bethlehem was the city of a shepherd who would become a king; and a King who would become a Shepherd.

Merry Christmas!

A Beautiful Card from 1942

2010-12-19T05:33:00.000-08:00

Men of the 20th Century

2010-12-18T18:03:00.000-08:00

I have come to believe that the 20th Century was defined (in human terms) by these two men. Imperfect men, with sometimes flawed judgment, they nevertheless led the effort that saved the world from the evil forces that brought about World War II. I am pleased to note that the students in the Era of the World Wars course became captivated by both of these men, especially by Churchill. Whatever your politics, you have to see FDR as a great wartime President. Together, these two waged war against a common enemy, forged an uncomfortable but necessary peace with another enemy ("Uncle Joe") and unwittingly laid the groundwork for a dramtically different world order.

This 1941 picture was taken well before FDR's dramatic decline in health in 1944, and they seem to be as two old seadogs recollecting grander days. The Lord watches over this earth and places men in their own peculiar destinies for the good of us all.

Repatriating

2010-12-03T16:21:00.000-08:00

History has long been a field dominated by those with a liberal agenda. In my years in graduate school, Marxist historians, women's history and "social history" began to replace traditional approaches. But it wasn't enough to ignore George Washington and the great battles that secured our independence and later our freedom. Historians have taken their desire to prove how liberal they are to a new low. In today's typical college history textbook, America is chastised for her greatness, and authors are apologetic for her successes. Recently, as I read through a section regarding American expansion in the years preceding the Civil War, I was appalled to note how the author of this text "trashed" John L. O'Sullivan's phrase, "Manifest Destiny." He labeled this belief that God had given us the land as "arrogance" that troubled American diplomatic policies from that point forward. Oh my! Needless to say, we do not use this text in our classes.

I shared with my husband that I feel as obsolete as a card catalog in a library today. (I love the old card catalog and shelf list system, by the way). I sometimes feel my values are not traditional, but arcane compared to the current social mileu of our nation and to the mood of academics. But I refuse to change! Instead, I will teach my students the greatness as well as the flaws within our country's past and present. I will challenge them to repatriate--to once again be proud to be proud of our nation! The United States has enjoyed some of God's greatest blessings, and it is time we return to Him in thankfulness.

Thoughts About the Summer Reading Courses

2010-11-24T18:18:00.000-08:00

For the past two summers, I have been given the privilege of developing History "readings" courses. In these courses, students are required to read an ambitious number of books and complete writing assignments unique to each one. In many ways, this approach provides an early introduction to the Graduate seminar method. They are also taught much like an honors class would be taught, and the requirements are demanding. I have tried to offer classes which continue a theme from the previous year or introduce the coming fall semester's offerings in some way. In the Fall 2011 term, the Medieval course will roll around again. With this in mind, my goal is to develop a course in the history within the mythology of King Arthur. I don't want this to be only a history of the myth, but a look at the HISTORY of Arthur. Who was he (and when was he) underneath all of the Malory glamour? I have several books in mind that we might use, and there seems to already be some positive interest in the course. We'll see . . .

Giving Thanks for Those Who Went Before Us

2010-11-22T12:46:00.001-08:00

The Tea Party

2010-11-01T11:58:00.000-07:00

"Oyez, Oyez, Oyez . . ."

2010-09-05T03:51:00.000-07:00

This is my "Supreme Court and Other Favorites" shelf. Here, I have some of Dr. Hall's works, some bios of Geroge HW Bush and Clarence Thomas and a two-volume set on John Marshall. The ornament you see on the far left is actually a small piece of one of the "retired" drapes from the Court's chambers encased in the lovely frame. In the middle is a little model of the Supreme Court building, and watching over all of these treasures in Will Taft. He would be most pleased that I placed him here rather than on the President's shelf!
Thanks for visiting!

In Remembrance, Kermit L. Hall (1944-2006)

2010-08-31T19:05:00.000-07:00

Dr. Kermit L. Hall taught at the University of Florida during my years there. He was such a profound influence on my life that I changed plans mid-stream and decided to pursue a career teaching History. I always loved History, but because of my classes with him, I wanted to make it the center of my academic and professional life. All of his students felt that way about him.

On a personal note, after Michael and I were married, he told me that Dr. Hall had been instrumental in bringing him to UF. So, thanks to Dr. Hall, I found a career I love more than I can say, and a husband who means everything to me. The Lord works through people in our lives in ways we can never imagine. I am so grateful for what He has done in our lives, and particularly grateful to have crossed paths with Kermit Hall. Today is his birthday, and I wanted to post some small remembrance of this great man.

Barbara Tuchman, 1912-1989

2010-08-25T16:11:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite historians was Mrs. Barbara Tuchman. She began her career as a journalist and then put those talents to work writing history. Having earned only a Bachelor's degree, she nevertheless competed in a man's field (history) in a man's world. Moreover, she did not write about women's history. She wrote about such diverse topics as the Trojan War, the close of the Medieval era and the American Revolution. She won her first Pulitzer for The Guns of August (1962), a fascinating account of the events leading up to the Great War. I have used her books as sources for several of my courses, and they have added so much color and detail to my lectures. History, at its best, tells a true account of events and lives past, a true STORY. Mrs. Tuchman was particularly gifted at telling the stories behind the events of human history.

2010-08-06T09:02:00.000-07:00

Yes, this is a picture of me at the First Ladies National Historc Site. We love National Parks, the National Park Service and the First Ladies. I loved seeing the displays they had put together here at the home of William and Ida McKinley. The refurbishment of the home was done so lovingly and beautifully!

My only disappointment was with the docents and their presentations of the material. These two ladies dressed in what was to pass for "period" dresses and they adopted historical personas: Harriet Lane, the hostess for our only bachelor President, James Buchannan, and of all people, Alice Roosevelt. Alice was certainly an historic figure, but also a very tragic and controversial figure. The docent portraying Alice told unflattering stories about her character and about Ida McKinley. She also tried to tell me that all of the Presidents in the post-Lincoln era were unfaithful to their wives. I nearly fainted. Rather than historical research to enrich their characterizations, these ladies apparently used some tell-all books with very questionable accuracy. Virginia, rather than hearing about how these women struggled to find their places or how they adopted certain causes to the benefit of the country, learned about the "dirt" on these ladies.

I hope that this doesn't represent what the Park Service believes to be the interests of the populace.

The Classical Past

2010-07-11T18:52:00.000-07:00

This lovely painting, A View of Ancient Rome, by Samuel Palmer (1805-1881), captures the Mediterranean beauty of this great city of Antiquity. Rome, once the seat of the world's most powerful empire, was toppled by a gentle Shepherd.

For more glimpses into the Classical Past from this perspective, please visit my blog, A Love of the Classical Past.

http://www.classicsinthewillows.blogspot.com/

We Cannot Forget . . . .

2010-07-04T04:55:00.000-07:00

God in His graciousness has given this country so many blessings, the most important of which is the freedom to love and worship Him freely. Any "rights" that we may have actually are gifts from Him. Men and women have courageously fought and died throughout our History to defend these freedoms and gifts.

I am worried about this wonderful country that He has given us, not because of the economy, the terrible oil spill, the positioning of yet another radical abortion rights supporter on the Supreme Court, but because we seem to be pushing Him out of our culture, our laws and our lives with more haste and determination than ever before.

We cannot forget that we are "One Nation Under God."

Is Anyone Paying Attention?

2010-06-29T04:42:00.001-07:00

A Different Fourth Estate

2010-06-25T06:24:00.000-07:00

This summer in our Readings Course on the Pacific Theater of World War II, my students were assigned Guadalcanal Diary by Richard Tregaskis. Tregaskis, a Harvard-educated journalist, was an "embedded" reporter with US Marines as they embarked on one of the first major amphimbious landings of the War. The prize was an airstrip the Japanese were building in the Solomon Islands.

My students were struck by a number of interesting aspects of the narrative--each sharp contrasts with today's print media. The curse words were each represented by the first letter and then a series of dashes. We all had a good laugh at that!

Another major departure from today's writings was the absence of political correctness. The Japanese were consisitently referred to as the "Japs." The Americans hated the enemy, not because they were Japanese, but because they were the enemy; they were the enemy because they bombed Pearl Harbor. There were no apologetic passages about name-calling or racism.

Another key difference between this brave journalist and today's reporters was that Mr. Tregaskis seemed to be on America's side!!! Imagine that! He didn't seem determined to report every misstep or mistake; he didn't show sympathy for the enemy and he certainly didn't reveal secrets that compromised the security of the war effort or the nation. Where is that Fourth Estate today?

A Beautiful Princess and Some Thoughts

2010-06-13T08:05:00.000-07:00

This lovely painting is of none other than the marvelous Queen Elizabeth II. We spent about 5 months in England in 1995, and I fell madly in love with the English people and their culture. When we were there, Michael and I made of point of trying to be as positive and enthusiastic about all things British as we could. After all, we were guests in their splendid country. Some of the others in our group sadly fulfilled the stereotypical "ugly American" role by criticizing as much as possible. I was embarassed by their behavior. We found the English people to be very kind, and we realized that there in Lincolnshire, we were the ones with the hard-to-undestand accents!

I was disappointed and hurt recently by the inappropriate and untrue remarks made by my once-favorite Beatle. As a guest in the White House, Paul McCartney used a very public occasion to blast President George W. Bush. If Sir Paul had made similar remarks about the current President, I would have felt just as incensed. I think that the Hollywood/Music Industry community believes that to trash a politically conservative American politician is to increase their own popularity. Sadly, this is all too true of the academic community as well.

Sir Paul will never be troubled one minute by this irate American's opinion, and he'll never realize that he is teaching a generation how not to act when visiting abroad! But at least I know this commoner from the American South had more manners when visiting "across the pond."

First Ladies

2010-06-09T15:15:00.000-07:00

Today marked the last day of lectures in the First Ladies course; the students have quite a bit of reading and research yet to do for their final project. We had a great discussion this afternoon about the First Ladies of the 20th Century. I came away with the feeling that the role of First Lady has not changed so very much since Martha Washington's era. The President's wife remains primarily a hostess, unofficial advisor to the President and wearer of beautiful inagural gowns! We have seen that the most controversial First Ladies have been those who took their unoffical advisory roles into the public eye: from Abigail Adams to Hillary Clinton, the women who had high profile political roles received the harshest criticisms.

Most of the First Ladies of my lifetime are in this lovely picture. My heart is tender for the physically frail Pat Nixon. Mrs. Nixon was really something very special, and I hope History will recognize that about her. She had such a difficult time with the ups and downs of her husband's political career. But the same must be said for all of the ladies married to the Presidents of the United States. Abigail Adams once stated, "when my husband is wounded, I bleed." Surely that simple statement captures the heartaches of these special women.

I have enjoyed exploring this topic with my students, and we have all learned more about our Nation's First Ladies.

Plutarch

2010-06-09T05:21:00.000-07:00

An approach to History that has fallen out of favor with contemporary historians is the study of "great men."

Revisionists want to cast all of history as a product of class conflict and economic catalysts. I prefer the "great man" approach and have taught this way throughout my academic experiences.

In the History of Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome courses, we use the writings of the Greek biographer, Plutarch (c. 46-122). He wrote biographies of the great Greeks and Romans. These character studies are not like Parson Weems' accounts of George Washington, but include the unflattering along with the praise.

Plutarch is not easy to read, and has proven quite a challenge to my students in past semesters. But, they persevered, and felt a great sense of accomplishment in so doing. This fall, we will return to Plutarch in the History of Amcient Greece, and I am looking forward to watching the students grow in patience and historical knowledge as they walk back in time with this great Greek biographer.

The Beautiful Lucy Hayes (1831-1889)

2010-06-01T06:26:00.000-07:00

Reflecting on years of reading and teaching American History, I realize that I give very little attention to the Rutherford B. Hayes Administration. The genuine character of this honest American patriot was overshadowed by the tainted election of 1876. In my lectures, his wife was distinguished only by the fact that she served Lemonade rather than alcohol in the White House. A closer look at Lucy and her time in the White House reveals a marvelous wife, mother, First Lady and Christian influence. Raised in a Methodist home, she took a pledge quite early to abstain from alcohol. Lucy's parents and her future-in-laws, the parents of "Ruddie" Hayes, felt that marriage between the two would bring out the best in the young man. And it did! Rutherford Hayes was a gentleman, a scholar, a war hero and a fine President who was unfortunately caught up in the deal-making era of the "Gilded Age." During the War Between the States, Lucy went to be with her husband in the war zone as often as possible. Like the beloved Martha Washington, Lucy would sew for the men, mending tattered uniforms and lifting spirits with her kind disposition.

She took bold stands on issues important to her, most notably, the temperance movement. The author of our textbook, however, criticizes Mrs. Hayes for not being bolder still in using her platform as First Lady to demand action on her issues. Our author does not understand Mrs. Hayes or her times at all. Although temperance and womens' rights were extremely important to Lucy, her husband was more important still. She would never presume upon him to advance her own personal agenda. In fact, Hayes himself declared that the no-alcohol policy was his policy, not her's She was given the title of "Lemonade Lucy" by those criticizing her effectiveness as White House Hostess. In reality, Lucy was wildly popular as a First Lady: she was thrifty, yet elegant. Her parties, gatherings and State dinners were successes. A hostile Congress refused monies for White House improvements, so Lucy scavanged the attic and basement and auctions to bring "new" pieces of furniture to the mansion. She loved the White House and learned its History. She often gave tours herself to guests, regaling them with stories of the House's illustrious past.

She became known for her lovely flower gardens and arrangements. She often presented flowers as "calling cards"--flowers she had grown in her gardens. The yellow rose you in this lovely portrait became her signature flower.

To me, her most endearing qualities were her faith and her devotion to her husband and children. She and Rutherford had 8 children, 7 boys and 1 girl (lovingly named for her sister-in-law, Fanny Rutherford). But these qualities don't seem to be important to those who pen the biographies and histories of the office of First Lady. How sad.

Take time to look at the life of Mrs. Hayes--you will be thrilled to know a woman of such character occupied the White House.

May We Ever Honor

2010-05-31T14:09:00.000-07:00

Fearless

2010-05-28T14:30:00.001-07:00

The Era of the World Wars

2010-05-27T05:05:00.000-07:00

I am looking forward to "The Era of the World Wars" course this fall. The amount of material to cover in sixteen weeks is daunting, but I think I will try an approach that has proven successful in other courses. I want to do a "year-by-year" series of lectures. Each year of each war would be covered in depth (with of course, in-depth discussion of the events leading up to each war as well as the aftermath in the following years). As many of our students want to teach History themselves, my goal is to give them material upon which they can build their own lectures and courses.

Rather than a 20-page research paper, I think I am going to require them to construct a notebook, a collection of chronologically-arranged notes, scholarly articles, pictures and other resources. At the end of the course, they would something other than a research paper to show for what they had done all semester! In this age of readily available information, the students shouldn't have too much difficulty in getting materials for their project.

Do you all have thoughts or suggestions about this approach?

The Travail of Mary Todd Lincoln

2010-05-26T21:20:00.000-07:00

Mary Todd Lincoln, wife of the 16th President, was the subject of our class discussion today. This beautiful and intelligent Kentucky belle no doubt brought a spark into the melancholy life of Abraham; yet, her mercurial temper and all-consuming need for attention robbed their marriage (and her position as First Lady) of so much potential.

Each of us in the class searched for sympathy for her: she buried three sons, and the surviving son had her institutionalized in a facility for the insane (which she was clearly was not). She witnessed the assassination of her husband on that fateful night at Ford's Theatre in April of 1865, and she was denied entrance to his bedside at the time of impending death. To add insult to the injury of a broken heart, a life-time enemy, William Herndon, told demoralizing stories of Lincoln's affection for Anne Rutledge. Herndon, Lincoln's one-time law-partner, asserted that the President had never really loved Mary, but had accepted his fate with her after the death of Miss Rutledge. Herndon went on the national circuit telling these stories--they were not confined to an intimate group of friends.

With all of these sad stories, we still had difficulty feeling sorry for Mary. She was her own worst enemy. I was appalled to read that when Abraham's favorite son Willie died (while they were in the White House), Mary spent large sums of money buying mourning clothes and jewelry!

I had hoped that learning more about her would lead me to see her as someone mistreated and misrepresented by historians, but the evidence overshadows any sympathetic interpretation of her life.

Having said all of this, I am convinced that she loved Abraham deeply and that she cherished her children. She suffered from the reputation-destroying combination of having a difficult personality in very difficult times.
Maybe research yet to be done will reveal a more positive side to Mary Todd Lincoln.

Truth for the Ages

2010-05-17T09:28:00.000-07:00

"Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife

and they shall be one flesh. "

Man may change his truths, but His truths never change. God created the institution of marriage. His flawless design is comprised of one man and one woman. No other configuration is worthy of the label, "marriage."

Three Cheers for the Red, White and Blue

2010-05-12T05:08:00.000-07:00

This will be a post that rambles more than usual, and I apologize here at the outset. There are so many things I want to say about this beautiful flag. This flag represents so many of our beliefs about the relationship between the government and the governed, as well as so much about our History.

Teaching Constitutional Law these past years, I have been torn by the Texas v. Johnson case in which the Supreme Court seemed to unhappily support the Constitutionality of burning the flag as a political protest. I hate this case, but understand their view point. Our Country was born because of political protest. Those colors woven in blood and sacrifice represent those rights of freedom of speech and protest. But if we are to accept and stand by this painful decision as the "Supreme Law of the Land," then why doesn't the law stand by those who choose to wear the flag as a sign of protest? School children wearing American flag clothing to protest Cinco de Mayo in this country were sent home for their efforts. Where are their rights? Why can a disgruntled man protesting a political party burn an American flag in public and hide behind the First Amendment, but school children expressing thier disconent over the presence of illegal aliens are sent home for WEARING the flag? Where is the logic in this? I think that the lesson is this: Free Speech is only for the left, only for those who denigrate traditional values. Freedom of Religion is now Freedom from Religion. Freedom of speech exists only for those whose speech is "politically correct."

How long will it be before I am not allowed to make these kinds of posts? How long will it be before the thought police come into our classrooms in private colleges and universities and muzzle conservatives like myself? These questions are not rhetorical--they are real concerns.

Is it Time for Class to Start?

2010-05-09T05:04:00.000-07:00

Horace Contemplates an Invitation

2010-04-29T19:39:00.000-07:00

To celebrate the August arrival of Latin I at Truett-McConnell College, here is an easy passage for translation from the Wheelock:

Maecenas et Vergilius me hodie vocant. Quid cogitare debeo? Quid debeo respondere? Si erro, me saepe monent et culpant; si non erro, me laudant. Quid hodie cogitare debeo?

Horace was a poet and satirist of the Augustan Age. He counted among his contemporaties none other than Vergil himself. Maecenas was a wealthy Roman soldier and statesman who used him resources to patronize the arts. He kept his home open for scholars and poets.

The Most Important Day In History

2010-04-04T04:20:00.000-07:00

Every Feminist's Nightmare . . .

2010-03-25T07:32:00.000-07:00

I love to learn about the First Ladies of our Nation's history. The gowns, the china, and the refurbishing from time to time of the White House --these topics, rather than how pillow talk leads to policy and empowerment have drawn me to the First Ladies for years!

Just look at Lady Bird's gown--she truly was the "Yellow Rose of Texas" in this beautiful picture.

This summer, we will be looking at America's First Ladies. These women had no Constitutional guidelines (or limitations) and without question played dramatic roles in the Chief Exexcutive's decision-making. We'll look at the backgrounds of these extraordinary ladies and their places in the unfolding of history.

But, we'll also take time to explore their contributions to popular culture as well.

La Liberte' Guidant le Peuple

2010-03-23T11:09:00.000-07:00

Chaos

2010-03-17T19:23:00.000-07:00

A New Readings Course

2010-03-17T03:42:00.000-07:00

Last summer, we had great success with the readings course in Espionage of the World War II era. This summer, we will examine the Pacific Theater of the War. I have to say that I have been planning the course for some time and had no idea that HBO was about to release a series on this subject. I am concerned about the controversy that is swirling up about this particular series, but I want to find out more before I comment further. Having said all of this, I am truly excited to be able to lead this course in June. This is another "readings course" (I will give the book list in another post),
but it should really be called a readings and writing course because we'll be doing so much writing! Last summer, with each assigned book, the students had to complete a different historigraphical writing exercise. We used fascinating subject matter not only to increase knowledge of the era, but to enhance writing and analytical skills as well. I hope this course proves to be as successful. Stay tuned for the reading list.

Tools of the Trade

2010-03-07T20:31:00.000-08:00

Salve discipuli et discipulae! Won't be long!

2010-03-02T13:01:00.000-08:00

What you believe about Creation and the beginning of time reveals much about your beliefs regarding Jesus Christ and the Bible. Scientists, historians, geologists, philosophers and even ministers often feel that they have to distance themselves from Scripture to be taken seriously in the "intellectual" community. They compromise their understanding of Scripture in order to address the conflict between their "science" and God's account of the Creation. They fall back on what they are sure is sound empirical evidence. But in so doing, they fall into the Enemy's trap--fooling them with their own egos and vanities.
"For the customs of the people are vain."
(Jeremiah 10:3)
Time and time again, science is replaced by new theories, new agenda as man foolishly seeks to outsmart God.

"By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible.
(Hebrews 11:3)

We must examine what we believe and why we believe it. Are we led astray by what we find to be intellectually satisfying, relying on our own faulty wisdom, or do we turn to the Word of God, infallible, timeless and everlasting?

It's a Go!

2010-02-17T12:05:00.000-08:00

Fall 2010: Latin I

Thomas a' Becket

2010-01-30T05:48:00.000-08:00

Yesterday in the History of England class, we were able to talk about King Henry II and his once-friend, Thomas Becket. The story of these two great men ended so tragically--the death of one brought about by careless angry words of another. Becket's death and the King's determination to be free from the authority of the Church certainly foreshadows future events, doesn't it? What is it about these Kings named Henry?

There was at least . . .

2010-01-28T14:15:00.000-08:00

one man in the room.

"Deja vu All Over Again!"

2010-01-28T07:31:00.000-08:00

Oh, dear. History is repeating itself. I am no fan of BIG business or banks that trifle with the lives of working men and women or with the great heroes of this country--the independent small businessman (to me, they are the best of the best ). Having said this, I know enough from the history of our country that to fool around with the banks in the guise of making them accountable to the "people" is to guarantee an economic catastrophe.

Andrew Jackson, a man who made and threw away multiple fortunes, hated banks, blaming them for his own lack of business acumen. He made it his goal to destroy the Bank of Banks, the Hamiltonian Bank of the United States. Ordering his Secretaries of the Treasury to withdraw monies from the Bank to redeposit in his small state "pet banks", he effectively killed the Bank of the United States. In its death throws, the Bank tried to remain alive by calling in outstanding loans. The result was a dead bank and a collapsed economy. Lives were destroyed, not just at the corporate level, but honest working men who had put all they had into their small businesses. But when asked what he was proudest of in his tenure as President, Jackson responded, "killing the Bank." Did it mean anything to him that he caused so much pain in the lives of the common man?

Important to add here is that Jackson had to appoint three Secretaries of the Treasury before he could find one to do his "dirty work." The last nominee, Roger Brooks Taney, went along with Jackson's scheme, and withdrew the monies from the Bank before he was even confirmed. As it would happen, the Senate refused to confirm him and he did not become Secretary of the Treasury. However, in probably the most blatant example of "spoilsmen" politics, Jackson bided his time and then nominated Taney as Chief Justice of the United State Supreme Court--a great place to have a "yes man." Jackson had treated the previous Chief Justice, John Marshall, and his brethren with complete contempt.

Is the current President intentionally emulating Jackson? If so, has he read how the story ended? Or does he want to lay this economy to waste and rebuild it in his true socialist image? Punishing the banks, openly rebuking the Court for policies contrary to his own--it's "deja vu all over again."

My President

2010-01-22T19:25:00.001-08:00

What Are They All Talking About?

2010-01-08T20:48:00.000-08:00

Dante, Petrarch and the gang are all excited about the new additions to the Historie blog. If you will click on the little widgits on the right of the template, you can now access some interesting sites. As did Cassiodorus, I am trying to create my own little "vivarium."

Blessings to you this week--hope everyone is staying warm and safe.

A Reading Journal

2010-01-06T13:28:00.000-08:00

In the History of Tudor/Stuart England, we will be taking a bit of a different approach to reading. The students are required to read (in addition to their text) Alison Wier's The Children of Henry VIII. Rather than write a book review as my students did with their books last semester, I want them to keep a "reading journal." This will be a collection of observations, synopses and critical evaluations of each of the book's chapters. The students will be allowed to write in first person as they would in a diary. I will also complete this assignment. At the end of the semester, we can all "compare notes," literally and figuratively.

This class is quite full for an upper division course, and it is at 8:00 am! I am already proud of them and have the highest of expectations for their work!

Roman Britain, 55 BC- AD 410

2009-12-24T06:03:00.000-08:00

Rome contributed so much more to Britannia than just a wall! South of the wall, in the civil-government district, the Romans built roads that helped boost trade and defense (see, Eisenhower read his history); they also brought their gift for law and government organization. Without a doubt, however, Rome's greatest gift was the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Caesar's foray into Britannia started the relationship between the Romans and the Celts across the channel. From that point on, Roman influences found their way to the people of the British Isles. As Christianity made Its way across the Empire along the Roman roads into the Roman hearts, It also crossed the channel into Britannia. In the early 5th century, the Romans are recalled to defend the empire on the continent. Sadly, their departure will leave Britannia open to invasions by the Saxons and others, who bring their paganism with them. Christianity, however, will prevail, and these pagans will themselves be transformed by the truth of a gentle Savior.

In our lives, we may feel that God's plans encounter setbacks. Maybe so or maybe not. Perhaps "setbacks" are simply God's way of expanding His Kingdom as in the days of Roman Britain. This year, be encouraged as God works in the lives of His saints.

Plutrach, Petrarch and the Monarch

2009-12-20T20:38:00.000-08:00

I'm excited about teaching the History of Tudor-Stuart England this spring term. This course is also a continuation of the Renaissance, this time with the emphasis on the Northern Renaissance. We will examine how Petrarch's humanism changed a bit under the influence of the joyless Erasmus.

At the center of our course sits the great Henry VIII. Like this famous painting, Henry VIII was a larger-than-life figure who took the age in which he lived completely captive with his persona and his controversies.

We'll approach this course the way we have in the other courses in this series: in the spirit of Plutarch, the students will have to write 15 biographies of individuals from the era. We will broaden the era to include Henry V, Agincourt and the French side of the post- "100 Year War" era. Then we'll move quickly back to the English side of the Channel. I'll add a post in the next couple of days about the texts we're using.

Hoping They'll Learn to Love Learning

2009-12-14T13:30:00.000-08:00

This is of course, a very stressful time for our students as they struggle to complete their papers and research assignments and study for final exams. Through all of these travails, I hope that they can somehow learn to truly love learning-- to see college not as a means of avoiding the "real world" for four+ years, but as a source of great joy in their lives. The Renaissance humanist, Francesco Petrarch, loved learning. In fact, he left this good earth while studying at his desk. He thought the best life was one wherein an individual could worship God and use the fine mind He had given. But I know that if I suggested this to some of my students this week, they would certainly throw something at me.

Pearl Harbor

2009-12-07T06:21:00.000-08:00

Today marks the 68th Anniversary of the infamous attack on Pearl Harbor. FDR correctly prophesied that this date would "live in infamy." That generation could no doubt tell us the exact circumstances in which they heard the news just as my parents could tell you what they were doing when President Kennedy died and I can tell you where I was when the horror of 9/11 began to unfold.

These tragic "bookmarks" of our past serve as reminders not only of these terrible events, but also remind us that America has withstood the evil attacks meant to bring her to her knees. Ironically, the best of America's character emerged in response to these events.

Our worst enemies have never been from without--they are inside our own borders--those who tirelessly work to tear down the moral fiber of our nation. No prayer in school, abortion on demand, partial-birth abortion, stem cell research using cells from embyros--these are the enemies, cloaked in claims of Lockean civil rights, that will bring an end to our culture and our country.

Everyone's Wild About Harry . . .

2009-12-02T06:08:00.000-08:00

I have really enjoyed teaching the President's class this semester. At 47, I have seen that what was familiar to me in terms of political personalities is ancient history to many of my students. Actually, this generation gap has some advantages. I had a great time yesterday talking about Harry Truman and watching the students fall in love with this great leader just as I did as a student many years ago. Republicans and Democrats alike admire Truman for his courage, integrity and candor (lots of candor!). My point to the students was that few presidents have had to face what he did--so many crises in every direction, at home and abroad. He concluded World War II, admirably, defined and pursued a wise foreign policy, and dealt with labor and civil unrest here at home, all the while dealing with a cantankerous Congress. But here is something to think about: Truman is much beloved today on either side of the party line, but my understanding of politics in the 1950's is that by the time Truman left office, both parties wanted him gone. How the passage of time has corrected their vision.

Henry V

2009-12-02T05:43:00.000-08:00

I am very excited about the next course in our history sequence--the History of Tudor-Stuart England. We will back up a bit and speak of the last great Medieval King, Henry V. Shakespeare made this larger-than-life monarch even grander in his play, Henry V. Kenneth Branagh's 1989 film adaptation of Shakespeare's work is one of my all-time favorite movies. I think we will begin by setting aside an evening to watch the movie as a class.

Medieval Learning

2009-11-06T05:14:00.000-08:00

This week in our Medieval course, we talked about Medieval literature and libraries. Books were comprised of parchment or vellum paper; the content thereon was hand printed. In short, a great deal of work went into making these books in the years before the printing press. But surely, this labor of love that went into making the books made them that much more precious to scholars and students.

Our class had a really fine discussion about reading today. Bookstores are everywhere: Books-a-Million, Borders, Barnes and Noble--and of course--Amazon! Books are easy to find and often relatively inexpensive. Why then, is reading at the bottom of everyone's "to-do" list? My favorite place on our campus is our library, not just because of the marvelous staff, but because of all of the books that are there! I know we can't all be bibliophiles, but I lament the fact that books and reading are being crowded out by computers, Kindles, ipods, cell phones and all manner of other devices that teach us to lose our ability to focus and concentrate.

Perhaps we can learn from the example of these Medieval scholars--take the time to read and to enjoy the privilege of learning.

The Best History Book

2009-10-02T03:42:00.001-07:00

This is the best History book on the market! The Bible is the only source of complete Truth. Its power not only helps us understand the past, but helps us deal with the difficulties of this present age and to face an uncertain future with the certainty of His love and power!

I love the hymn, In Times Like These. One of the beautiful lines begins, "In times like these, you need the Bible." This timely song was actually written in the midst of World War II by Mrs. Ruth Caye Jones, a pastor's wife and mother of five.

Today, sit down with your "History Book" and maybe a hymnbook, too. Read His Word and sing praises to Him.

Please visit Our Crossstitching Home

2009-09-24T12:05:00.000-07:00

Please take a look at my other blog, Our Cross-Stitching Home. I share lots of thoughts about our family life and interests. http://www.ourcrossstitchinghome.blogspot.com/

The Graceful Louisa Adams

2009-09-24T11:31:00.000-07:00

This week I have been able to spend a bit of time looking at the first First Ladies. From Martha Washington to Rachel Jackson, each of these ladies faced tremendous pressures and struggles, perhaps none more so than by Louisa Adams. Louisa was the wife of John Quincy Adams. She was born in England to an English mother and American father. This mixed birthright made life very difficult for her in the high-point of America's anti-British mood.

John Quincy was a good man, but not a warm one by any stretch of the imagination. After they were engaged, he left her with a list of books so that she could "improve her mind" while awaiting their wedding!

John Quincy forged an impressive career as an American diplomat before becoming President, and Louisa was able to travel with him throughout much of Europe. However, she would often be left behind as he went on to his next assignment. She had to travel across the Russian winter to catch up with him in France. As if that weren't bad enough, she was leaving behind the grave of her infant daughter, Louisa Catherine. My heart breaks as I think of what Louisa said at the loss of her only daughter, " My heart is buried in Louisa's grave, and my greatest longing is to be laid beside her."

Louisa Adams will go on to bury two adult sons and live through four supremely difficult years in the White House. After John Quincy's only term, they retired to Massachusetts. Political life summoned her husband again as he served in the House of Representatives from 1830 until his death in 1848.

The last years of their marriage seem to have brought them closer together. The loss of their children seems to have driven Louisa deeper into her faith, and my guess is that this mended much of the heartache and coldness of their marriage.

Louisa Adams, pictured here with her harp, brought elegance and a sweet long-suffering spirit to the position of First Lady. Although not as well-known as some of our other First Ladies, her story is a fascinating one.

My Wonderful Scholars

2009-09-22T10:16:00.000-07:00

This semester, I have such a wonderful group of young scholars in our Medieval history course. The class meets at 8:00 am--I think this early hour brings out the best students and brings out the best in students. They are punctual, respectful and eager to learn. They do the work I ask them to do on an exemplary level. In short, they are such a blessing to me.

We are working to challenge assumptions about the Medieval and Renaissance eras: the Medieval period brought some tremendous intellectual contributions, and the Renaissance was not an entirely secular movement. We will conclude the course with our look at the Scientific Revolution, paying particular attention to the strength of faith of these great men.

I am grateful for the opportunity to teach this material, and particularly, to teach to this group.

Faith of Our Fathers

2009-09-04T03:35:00.000-07:00

This famous painting captures George Washington in a moment of prayer at Valley Forge.
George Washington was a man of faith in the Anglican tradition. His speeches and speech were laced with references to God, Providence, the Creator and Author of all Good. He beseeched his soldiers to attend services when possible and to pray. He requested that Congress send chaplains for the Continental Army. Does this sound like a man who viewed God as a disinterested "Clockmaker" who wound up the world and is watching it, from a distance, wind down?

Many contemporary historians are determined to label all of our Founding Fathers deists or atheists, in short, imposing their own world view and values on the heroes of the past. George Washington has become a battleground, of sorts, between those looking for his faith, and those trying to dismiss it. When will they learn that "Freedom of Religion" does not mean to all of us what it means to them--"freedom from religion"?

Off to a Great Start

2009-08-22T05:59:00.000-07:00

This semester is off to a great start. We had a wonderful Chapel service on Thursday. The music by The Tim Johnson Band was marvelous, and our President, Dr. Emir Caner brought the house down with his message. (Our children loved the Chapel service!) My classes seem to be filled with students who want to learn. We have quite a few History majors in the program who aren't afraid of hard work, and are engaged in the learning process. They are such blessings!

The Knights Templar

2009-08-11T08:17:00.000-07:00

Time for the Medieval/Renaissance class has rolled around again. The class really covers more of a period of time than two distinct eras. We will begin with the conversion of Constantine and end with the Scientific Revolution. My survey students have always loved the stories about the Knights Templar, even before Dan Brown made a mockery of their devotion and service. We will be reading an interesting book about the Templars by Stephen Howarth (The Knights Templar). I think the class will like this work.

So much has been said about the Templars, but really, so little is known. We know that they began as a unique blended order of military and monk. They took vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. They came into being in the year 1118 in Jerusalem to defend the Holy land and make the way safe for pilgrims who wished to there journey.

They were trusted, but mysterious. They were also, unfortunately for them, very popular with the people. This popularity was a threat to the evil King of France, Philip the Fair (the "Fair" adjective applying to Philip's handsome features, not his disposition). In a single night in 1307, these most noble of warriors were arrested. Over a terrible seven-year period, they were charged with ridiculous crimes, tortured and executed. The leader of the Knights, the Grand Master, Jacques de Molay, recanted his forced confession and faced the cruel fires that ended his life. The King watched as his own guilt was reflected in the death-fires of an innocent man.

Many consider Philip the Fair a hero, the first of the modern kings who bent the will of the Church to his own. I see him in no such light. He proved that ambition was his god, and in so doing, seemed to set the trend for many a leader to come.

Freedom of Speech . . . as Long as Your Speech is White House Approved

2009-08-06T07:29:00.000-07:00

Oh, dear. Thomas Paine would be so unhappy with the turn of events in our nation this week. Thomas Paine, as most of you know well, was the author of Common Sense, the little pamphlet that for the first time publicly condemned King George III of England. Paine's work mobilized Colonial public opinion and paved the way for Jefferson to declare our independence just a few months later. Our freedom to express our political opinions has always been of paramount importance, to the extent that the Supreme Court of the United States has repeatedly stood by its characterization of First Amendment rights as enjoying a "preferred position" in Constitutional interpretations. In fact, the Court has ruled that burning the American flag as an expression of political speech is protected by the 1st Amendment(Texas v. Johnson 1989), and "virtual" child pornography likewise enjoys 1st Amendment protection (Ashcroft v. Free Speech Coalition 2002). These sickening decisions seem more to protect the unpatriotic and perverse side of our culture rather than a right to disagree with the government.

Where are all of those civil libertarians these days as the White House ominously solicits the names of those who disagree with the President's socialized medicine? When I taught at a different college, one of my colleagues routinely made jokes about assassinating President Bush. He was just "expressing his opinion." Wonder how he feels today as the White House characterizes those who are exercising their First Amendment rights in the manner they were conceived? These individuals who show up at "town hall" meetings voicing their discontent are labeled "mobs."

This double standard is appalling, and what is more so is that we are standing still for it. We cannot count on those Napoleon labeled the "Fourth Estate" (the Press) to reveal these inconsistencies. If we do not take a stand for our rights, they will mean nothing in the face of this onslaught as we slowly move toward those same conditions we have seen taking place in Iran these last months, the complete suppression of freedom of expression against the government.

Will Taft

2009-08-02T14:00:00.000-07:00

One stop on our vacation this week was the childhood home of Willima Howard Taft in Cincinnati, Ohio. When most of us think of Will Taft, we call to mind this image of the jolly 27th President of the United States. There is much more to this fine gentleman, and he would prefer for us to remember him for his tenure as 10th Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States.

As President, Taft, who had done everything so well theretofore, seemed to be able to do nothing right. He had three strikes against him: first, he was not TR, his enormously popular predecessor. No one seemed to be able to forgive him for being his own man. Second, Will Taft hated politics. He was oft-quoted as saying "politics make me sick." He didn't like the Machiavellian games that seemed to be in the unwritten portion of the Chief Executive's job description. Third, Taft loved the law, the Constitution, and placed the elements of that great document above politics and his personal opinions. He had always wanted a career in the law, specifically as a judge. But, Will would always answer the call to public service and he always seemed to be pushed in the direction of politics by his beloved wife, Nellie. Nellie knew she had married a man with a Midas touch, one who would do his best at any job.

As Chief Justice, Taft had to referee dynamic and extreme personalities on the Court--Oliver Wendell Holmes, jr. and Willis Van Devanter to name but two. But he thrived in this environment.

I believe that Taft was a fine President and a great Cheif Justice, but the role I admire most from this gentleman was his role of father to his three children, Robert, Charlie and Helen. They all grew into their own accomplishments to our Country. I will post on them in the near future.

Historians and students alike brush by the one-termers. They are seen as "losers" and their single terms are thrown into the back of the book index of former presidents. Taft deserves a second look. The man, the President, the Chief Justice and the husband and father: he did possess the Midas touch in all that he did.

Marvelous!

2009-07-25T05:43:00.000-07:00

As I mentioned in an earlier post, I was hoping to be able to teach Latin at TMC this year, but my plate is full, and the Latin at TMC will have to wait for a season. However, I was happy to continue this with our children here at home. Well, I received some wonderful news this week. John Thomas is in the accredited program this year, and will receive true SACS-accredited high school credit. As part of this program, he is required to take an elective. A Beka does not offer Latin, so I contacted them with the hopes of his receiving credit for the Latin studies we have done and will continue.

The upshot of all of this is that if I maintain the records of his study along with test and quiz scores (as with his other coursework), he will receive credit toward his graduation for the course! I am so excited about this, and so is he. We have worked at Latin for some time now, and learning the fundamentals of this ancient language has strengthened his writing and grammar skills. Latin will also improve his vocabulary skills in preparation for the SAT. We will complete at least 180 hours of Latin study over the course of the year. James Martin will do this as well, and I will include Ima Virginia in some of the vocabulary work. (She loves it, and some of her friends are learning Latin as well).

The text we will be using is the Wheelock's. This program of study is "tried and true."

I would make them all learn English,
and then I would let the clever ones
learn Latin as an honor.

Sir Winston Churchill

First Ladies

2009-07-18T14:54:00.001-07:00

Those of you who know me know that I love to learn about First Ladies. From Martha Washington to Mamie Eisenshower and beyond, I have read over the years as many books as I could on the First Ladies (excluding the historically questionable Kitty Kelley-type works). Hopefully, I can weave a bit of history of our first ladies into the President's class without bothering the gentlemen too much.

Virginia loves First Ladies, too. One of the first biographies she read was on Abigail Adams. She also posted on our blog some interesting facts about the elegant Grace Coolidge.

A while back, my sister-in-law Sherry gave me a clipping on the various "causes" our First Ladies have adopted. I'll be sure to use that in our discussions as well.

"Bully!"

2009-07-18T08:56:00.001-07:00

Due to a change in schedules, I am going to get to teach the class on the American Presidency. I am thrilled beyonds words. (The Latin will have to wait--but that's ok--I have the children to teach!). One of very favorite Chief Executives was the swashbuckling Teddy Roosevelt. Born on the eve of one war (1858) and at the close of another (1919), TR seized the "bully puppet" with the same enthusiasm he did in every other aspect of his life.

My favorite TR story has to do with his approach to college at Harvard. Apparently then (as now), it was actually fashionable to make c's or lower grades. To earn good marks was considered almost unacceptable --good grades reflected an unfashionable measure of hard work.
TR was appalled by this approach and openly chastised his peers for this approach. To this future President of the United States, hard work was everything, an integral part of his "strenuous life."

A Lovely Scene from the Past

2009-07-05T19:41:00.000-07:00

Contemplating a more serene and lovely moment of history . . .

2009-07-04T05:00:00.000-07:00

In July 1776, Thomas Jefferson, along with some of the most notable names of the Revolutionary era, penned what amounted to a declaration of treason against King George and Parliament and a declaration of war against the English people. However, Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, et al, did not see their actions in this light.

Borrowing heavily from the ideas of Enlightenment thinker John Locke, Jefferson asserted the idea that England had given us no choice but to overthrow their rule in the colonies. England and her King, through a "long train of abuses" had deprived us of our inalienable rights, granted to us by our Creator--the rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

While I cherish this document and revel in the benefits of our Nation's freedoms, so valiantly fought for and defended these last 233 years, I do take issue with the notion that these are rights.

Life, Liberty and the pursuit of happiness are gifts given to us by our Creator. Scripture is replete with promises from God, but we are not promised political freedoms. He has seen fit to give these to us, but what have we done with them? Our freedom of religion has turned into freedom from religion. Our freedom of speech has been used to justify the burning of our beautiful flag (Texas v. Johnson), but if someone wants to pray aloud at a high school football game, the threat of law suits looms, and we have to settle for a "moment of silence."

What have we done with these rights, fellow Americans? Have we made the most of what God has given us or have we turned over these gifts to the "prince of the air"? On this special day of our Nation's history, thank God for what He has granted us and resolve to defend those gifts for the advancement of His Kingdom.

The Jeds

2009-06-30T18:35:00.001-07:00

In one of my summer courses, we hve been reading through books dealing with the espionage and "shadow warfare" of World War II. Today we concluded our look at Colin Beaven's Operation Jedburgh. The author took us back in time to occupied France on the eve of and the weeks following D-Day. The Jeds were teams of three men each, an American officer, an European officer and a radio operator. These teams were dropped into France and other occupied territories, their mission being to organize and train indigenous resistance forces.

We were all amazed at the bravery and determination of these men in completing their mission. We also came to understand that the success of Operation Overlord rested largely on what these extraordinary soldiers were able to do.

This book also provided unvarnished glimpses into the horrors of war. Unless we are there on the battlefields with our soldiers, we can never understand what they experience. If you have the opportunity to express appreciation to someone who has defended or is currently defending our nation, please do so.

The American West

2009-06-28T03:58:00.000-07:00

Our entire family loves westerns. But I often wonder if we really have any idea how life was in the trans-Mississippi West after the Civil War.

I took a class many years ago with Dr. Julian Pleasants about the American West. Dr. Pleasants routinely challenged the modern view of the Old West. Violence and lawlessness prevailed and savage range wars and battles between Latter Day Saints and Native Americans splashed the landscape in blood and death.

How then did we get such a marvelous wealth of art, literature and music celebrating the west?

The West of the past appeals to our spirit of adventure, and so many artists and authors capture that in their paintings and books.

Perhaps the real beauty of the American West is in the pioneer spirit demonstrated by Americans as they moved in search of a place to build their homes and make a place for their families.

A Child of the King

2009-06-20T03:42:00.001-07:00

A challenge in the Medieval course is "where to begin?" To begin with the collapse of Rome in 476 seems to miss the mark. What events really ushered in this very unique era? This year, I have decided to begin with Constantine. He was the first Christian Emperor of Rome. He seized power at a time when Christians were experiencing some of their worst persecution under the Emperor Diocletian and his temporary successor, Galerius. Constantine was quite the underdog when he defeated Maxentius and his troops at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge. This victory resulted in Constantine becoming the Emperor of the western portion of the Roman Empire (Europe). In 324, Constantine became the sole Emperor over the entireity of the Empire.

The Battle of the Milvian Bridge should have been a demoralizing defeat for Constantine, but he had experienced his own "Damascus Road" encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ. Constantine's heart and future changed in an instant. Many accounts have been written about this encounter, and probably embelished for the sake of interesting posterity. Christ may have spoken to Constantine in a cloud formation dramatically splayed across the heavens, but my guess is that He spoke with this man in that "still, small voice."

Skeptics (read: secular historians, who dominate this field) have always tried to portray this conversion as contrived and opportunistic. But they're ignoring facts. To be an open Christian in
312 was not exactly "running with the big dogs." Constantine stood nothing to gain in worldly terms by becoming a follower of Christ.

During his reign as Emperor of the western Empire and then the entire Roman Empire, Constantine used his influence to strengthen the Church and to unify it against the threat of heretical doctrines that were "creeping into" the teachings of the day. Costantine knew his reign was temporal, but that the God he served is eternal. I am grateful for this warrior King who became
"A Child of the King."

Yellow Roses for Ima Virginia

2009-06-18T11:04:00.000-07:00

A sweet memory from the past: when Virginia was a newborn, she was in our room. Because we didn't learn what she would be before she was born, we bought lots of beautiful yellow baby things. One day a few months after she was born, Michael brought me some yellow roses--they just seemed to be perfect in our room with our little girl's things. Now, she is 10, and she remains the sweetest rose I have ever seen. I love you, Ima Virginia!

Medieval History

2009-06-18T02:25:00.001-07:00

A class I really enjoy teaching rolls around again this fall--History of the Medieval Era.
In this class, I spend much of the semester attempting to disprove Francesco Petrarch's characterization of the Middle Ages as "one thousand years of gothic gloom." Petrarch managed to set the tone for History books by labeling this era "the Dark Ages." Oh, dear. He was so very wrong.

The Medieval Era witnessed some of Europe's most profound intellectual and spiritual leaps. The University as we know it came into existence (the Universities of Paris and Bologna were among the first). Early Medieval scholars such as Boethius, Cassiodorus and Isidore of Seville composed their own works which rivaled those of the much-touted Ancient Greek philosophers.

Christianity continued to spread, not only amongst the population but also into intellectual circles. The result was the marvelous approach to learning called "scholasticism." The scholastics, notably Peter Abelard and St. Thomas Aquinas, believed that faith and science were naturally compatible. They knew that learning was a gift of God, and rather than marginalizing God and His Son, they praised Them! The faith of these men was the beginning of their wisdom.

Certainly, there were bleak periods within this thousand-year era; however, don't be misled by Petrarch's short-sided summation.

I look forward to teaching this class for many reasons. I love Scholasticism and the students love our study of the Templars (and the Templars were everyone's favorite topic well before Hollywood took its shot at telling their story).

Mary I (1516-1558)

2009-06-16T19:01:00.001-07:00

Never has an earthly monarch faced such difficulty, but never has a monarch possessed such strong faith. Mary's faith brought her through the terrible separation from and loss of her beloved mother, Catherine of Aragon. Her faith sustained her when she was stripped of her legitimacy by her father, Henry VIII. Her faith sustained her as she lived in constant fear for her life, and her faith sustained her in a most painful marriage to the heir to the Spanish throne. Mary remained faithful to her country, to her Church and to her Lord Jesus Christ.

John Marshall

2009-06-07T20:22:00.000-07:00

John Marshall was actually the fourth Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. Because he had such a long tenure in this office (1801-1835) and led with such character and intelligence, many mistakenly think of him as the first Chief Justice. I teach my students that he was the first "Great" Chief Justice.

His possessed an intellect that might best be characterized as pragmatic. He felt that the Constitution represented the best of American ideas and that the Supreme Court should protect those ideas by becoming the final interpreter of that great document.

Like many Federalists, he was wary of allowing states too much authority in the area of protecting individual rights. After all, the terrible treatment of farmers (and American Revolution veterans) by the Massachusetts government had resulted in a crisis that might have ended our noble foray into nationhood. The very rights for which men had fought, freedom from oppressive taxation, the right to own property and the freedom to protest against the government, were denied by the Massachusetts legislature, resulting in Shays' Rebellion. The national government, at that time defined by the Articles of Confederation, was far too weak to intervene on behalf of the individual.

John Adams, Alexander Hamilton, George Washington and others came to the rescue in the hot summer months of 1787 at what is now known as the "Constitutional Convention." Once drafted and ratified, it was up to the three branches of government to make this new form of government work. For a time, it seemed that Congress and the Executive would divide up the lion's share of power.

John Marshall changed all of that.

Prior to his appointment to this position, the Supreme Court had little luster and even less appeal to those seeking a role in the new government. Marshall, appointed by one of our truly great presidents, John Adams, led the Court from no man's land to the promised land and established it as the branch of the government charged with overseeing our rights and the preservation of the Constitution.

Marshall believed the Court would earn more respect when it spoke with a single, unanimous voice rather than the seriatim opnions that had become the practice. Like Earl Warren many years later, Marshall, affable and respected by the Brethren, could effectively build a consensus. In the most important case in the history of what Hamilton mistakenly called "The Least Dangerous Branch," Marshall led the Court in a unanimous decision establishing the practice of judicial review. (Marbury v. Madison)

In the next year or two, a number of seats on the Bench will undoubtedly open. Justice Gnsburg faces a grave illness; Justice Stevens, a Ford appointee, is 89 years old. I am very concerned., no--dreadfully concerned. The current President has proven himself to be a friend to abortion on demand; he supports the horrendous late-term abortions. He will no doubt appoint those of like minds who may in fact overturn Roe because it doesn't support abortion rights enough! Justices Scalia, Alito and Thomas and Chief Justice John Roberts may find themselves in a 4:5 minority.

Many years ago, it was said that all controversies ini this nation will eventually end up as Consitutional questions. This has certainly proven to be true. How I wish Chief Justice Marshall were here to shine a bit of light on these dark times.

Maybe . . .

2009-06-04T20:58:00.000-07:00

At Florida, I spent almost as much time in the Classics Department as I did the History Department. My courses in Latin were among my very favorite in the MANY years I spent at UF. Our kids have jumped right in with the Wheelock's Latin course and are doing well with it.

There is a good chance that I may be able to teach first-year Latin next year at Truett. I think that would be a dream come true.

These past few years, I have come to realize how much I truly love teaching and studying History. I wouldn't change my career path for anything. So why do I want to teach Latin? Actually, Latin is history itself. All of my Latin professors at Florida incorporated History into the study of the language. So teaching Latin is teaching history!

My mom could never understand why in the world I would take Latin courses. If you or your children have the chance to study Latin, do it! You'll be amazed at what you will learn about the structure of the English language. Our boys have sailed through much of the grammar of the A Beka program this year because they have a background in Latin grammar. They know the parts of speech (in all their guises, no less) from the time we have spent in Latin.

Our founding fathers were educated in the old Classical mold: Latin, Greek and History were among the most important of subjects. Would it be so bad if we went back to this tried and true approach?

The Astronomer

2009-06-03T10:09:00.000-07:00

This is Vermeer's The Astronomer (1668). This painting was done in the waning years of what historians now refer to as the "Scientific Revolution." This grand era of progress in scientific knowledge has been grossly misrepresented by modern scholars. Beginning with Copernicus and perhaps ending with Newton, this period (c. 1453-1700) witnessed a new understanding of the structure and motion of the universe and the creation of much-improved tools with which to observe the heavens. All of the men involved, Copernicus, Brahe, Kepler, Galileo and Newton, were Christians who saw nothing in the skies which challenged their faith in the Creator of all things.Unfortunately, psuedo-scientists of the "Enlightenment" era took these great steps forward in scientific knowledge and used them as a spurious basis to separate science and faith. Ignoring the reality that these scientists were men of profound faith in Christ, they cast religion in a role as a stumbling block to intellectualism. Today, our culture retains this mentality that to be a person of faith is to reject science.Science is a gift of God. He is the Creator. I hope that He delights in those that study His Creation and who credit Him for all its beauty and wonder.

Virginia Hall

2009-06-01T19:36:00.001-07:00

An unsung heroine of WW II was Maryland-born Virginia Hall. She worked overseas for the State Department in a clerical position in Turkey. She had just resigned and traveled to Paris at the outbreak of the war. Angered by the horrific behavior of the Germans, she wanted to take an active role in their defeat. She became a spy for the British government, and was in fact one of only 40 women sent out by their espionage organization, the SOE (Special Operations Executive).

Virginia aided the French resistance in countless ways, and made life and death decisions that unquestionably altered the course of the War in France. All of this despite the loss of a leg years earlier in a hunting accident.

Note that she was employed by the British goverment, not the American. When she repeatedly applied for a State Department position, she was each time denied. When at last, the higher ups had exhausted all excuses for not hiring her, they came up with a new prohibition: "amputation is a cause for rejection." Why did they reject Virginia? Because, quite simply, she was a woman.

I am NOT a feminist, but am deeply troubled when I see how women in history and in the present age are passed over because of their gender. Because of American short-sightedness in the pre-war years, the State Department lost a valuable asset and a devoted patriot. Fortunately, for America and the Allies, she retained her deep love of the United States and of the freedom we say we offer for all.

Judith L. Pearsn has written an interesting but very poorly documented account of Virginia's adventures in war-torn France entitled Wolves at the Door: the True Story of America's Greatest Female Spy.

After the War, Virginia was in fact, hired by the CIA. At long last, her own country seemed to see what she could do!

The Beginning and End of All History

2009-06-01T05:33:00.000-07:00

Perhaps this started it all . . .

2009-05-28T03:53:00.001-07:00

This little Landmark history probably started it all. I checked it out over and over again from our public library. First person accounts made these stories come alive. Interestingly enough, I became fascinated in history rather than the nursing. To my delight, my husband found a nice copy for me in a used book store.

Stephen Ambrose, in his later works on World War II, used the first-person narratives so very effectively. He interviewed countless D-Day veterans to give us a realistic glimpse into the experiences of the participants of Operation Overlord. I learned more from Ambrose's collections of memories than from any textbook about the era.

History

2009-05-27T20:24:00.001-07:00

I have always loved History, all kinds of History. The Lord is so gracious and generous to have placed me in a profession where I can indulge this great passion. This will be a new blog, a new blog about old things! I hope to explore many different areas of History--the History of science, music, art, revolutions, world wars and ideas.