Ignorant Historian

1.  If you could spend a year dedicated full-time to becoming an expert on any topic at all, what would you choose?

I’d love to spend a life dedicated to becoming an expert in everything. =) If I *had* to choose one subject I’d choose…

Literature? That’s the first thing that came to mind.  It’s silly to think that I didn’t take even ONE English class in college.

This is too hard!  I like to learn about everything!   Many parts of history, culture, and politics interest me, so I would probably pick one of those.  Basically, I’m not answering this question because I think it’d be so hard to focus in one just one thing.

2.  Where’s the nearest swimmable body of water?

Well, I don’t think there are any that I’d actually consider swimmable in at least 500 miles, considering it’s January!  Though, I suppose the (heated!) indoor public pools count, and there are 3 here in Raleigh.

3.  Do you like to keep your books organized?

Of course! I have all of my fiction books organized alphabetically by author’s last name.  Non-fiction books are organized loosely by category (with a large “everything else” category), with a whole shelf of TBR non-fiction books.

4.  If there is such a thing as Judgment Day, what do you think it will be like?

Yes, I think Judgment Day is coming. I believe what the Bible says is true…but don’t ask me to give a play-by-play of that day.  The Bible is clear that we will all face the Judge, but the details aren’t all so clear.  I think God has told us what He wants us to know, and speculating on the end times can be a distraction from what God has called us to do hear and now (once again, that is clear).

5.  What are you listening to right now?

I’m listening to The Millennials: Connecting to America’s Largest Generation by Thom S. Rainer and Jess Rainer.  I’m doing a review on the audiobook for AudioFile magazine.  Normally, I can’t listen to an audiobook while writing a blog post, but doing a silly blog post goes well with listening to a nonfiction book.

“If what a person wants is his life, he tends to be quiet about wanting anything else.  Once the life begins to seem secure, one feels the freedom to complain.”  - Ann Patchett, Bel Canto, p. 56

“Good arguments will not convince anyone who is not open to being convinced.” – Frank Turek, Correct, Not Politically Correct, p. 8

“I suppose it’s terribly sexist of me assuming that all of the terrorists were male. It’s a modern world, after all. One should suppose a girl can grow up to be a terrorist just as easily as a boy.” – Messner, character in Bel Canto by Ann Patchett, p. 147

“Many have become immune to Christianity by contracting a mild and unbiblical form of it.” – Randy Alcorn, If God is Good, p. 35

“Americans have a bad habit of thinking like Americans.” – Roxanne Coss, character in Bel Canto by Ann Patchett, p. 222

“Anyone who observed us would conclude the purpose of all academic discussion was to provide the grounds for becoming further entrenched in our original positions.” – Richard Russo, Straight Man, p. 201

“You’re young, you’re Black, and you’re on trial. What else do [the jurors] need to know?” – Kathy O’Brien, character in Monster by Walter Dean Myers

“In our reckless pursuit of self-gratification we impose upon ourselves gnawing emptiness rather than the joy and contentment that comes in loving God and others.” Randy Alcorn, If God is Good, p. 64

“If the Bible tells us what life is and how to live it, then biblical literacy isn’t an option. I need it. We all do.” – Rachel Starr Thompson, “What We Don’t Know”