Author Archives: theamericanplutarch

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About theamericanplutarch

Writer, thinker, historian.

The Answer Is: Power, Love, Self-Control

Posted on October 2, 2016 by theamericanplutarch

I belong to a group of men, the Brotherhood of St. Andrew, most of whom are of the Anglican tradition, who meet weekly to discuss Christianity, and to share a meal as well as Eucharist or Morning Prayer from the … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, God's Providence, Great Commission, Reflections on the Psalms | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

In Defense of Great Books

Posted on September 8, 2016 by theamericanplutarch

Recently Yale University students asked their professors to stop assigning readings from English poets, as there is a preponderance of White male poets, and the White voice has been dominant for too long. I teach at a college where the … Continue reading →

Posted in books, General Essays | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Narrative History Rescues the Past

Posted on July 22, 2016 by theamericanplutarch

“Narrative History Rescues the Past”–You’re not likely to see this headlining the latest news feed, though subtle truth rarely makes the news. Moreover, narrative history is rarely sensational, rarely fantastic, and is (unfortunately) not imaginary, rather based on real people … Continue reading →

Posted in American History, Biography, books | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

George Washington and Providence

Posted on July 14, 2016 by theamericanplutarch

Jeremy Belknap, a patriot, scientist, historian, and minister in the late eighteenth century, wrote during the War for Independence to his friend Ebenezer Hazard, praising General George Washington: “A man is never more truly noble than when he is sensible … Continue reading →

Posted in American History, Biography, Christianity, God's Providence | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Leadership? If Only Washington was President

Posted on July 10, 2016 by theamericanplutarch

If George Washington was President of the United States today, in 2016, would we have problems with anarchy in the streets, and the lack of leadership in domestic conflicts? In 1782/1783, the American Revolution was drawing to a close, and … Continue reading →

Posted in American History, Biography, Government | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

And God Saw Every Thing that He had made, and Behold, it was Very Good

Posted on July 6, 2016 by theamericanplutarch

The title of this post comes from Genesis, 1:31, the final verse of the first chapter of the Old Testament. This final verse provides commentary on the sixth day of the Creation, in which God had, after the creation of … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, God's Providence, Reflections on the Psalms | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

The “Best Administered” Government

Posted on June 26, 2016 by theamericanplutarch

The Constitution developed a system of government, federalism, that ideally is the best form of government, a combination of republicanism and democracy that balances power between the legislative, executive, and judicial. Federalism means that the Constitution is based on a … Continue reading →

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What does the Pledge of Allegiance Mean?

Posted on June 16, 2016 by theamericanplutarch

In America, the education of citizens in government begins at a young age at public school, sports events, church meetings, and other public assemblies. At such places and events people of all ages look to the flag, a piece of … Continue reading →

Posted in American History, Government | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Crevecoeur’s Vision of America

Posted on June 13, 2016 by theamericanplutarch

The French writer and philosopher Hector St. John de Crevecoeur, wondered in Letters from an American Farmer, written in 1782, “What, then, is the American, this new man?” Crevecoeur, a European writing for Europeans, believed that the immigrants who crossed … Continue reading →

Posted in American History, books, Christianity, Government | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

In Praise of Every[hu]man

Posted on June 7, 2016 by theamericanplutarch

Pre-eminent American historian Carl Becker in 1931 sounded a theme for the 1930s when he pronounced, “Everyman His Own Historian.” The great American composer Aaron Copland in 1942 composed “Fanfare for the Common Man,” a wonderful piece for horns and … Continue reading →

Posted in American History, Biography, books | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments