Derek Dobalian

Christian. Lawyer. Writer at Philosopher. Libertarian. Degrees in Law, Politics, and Biblical Studies. Working on MA in Christian Apologetics.

[Derek Dobalian @DerekWDobalian]

@Hazlitt_3 “The most improper job of any man, even saints (who at any rate were at least unwilling to take it on), is bossing other men. Not one in a million is fit for it, and least of all those who seek the opportunity.” - JRR Tolkien

[Derek Dobalian @DerekWDobalian]

@MichaelLoda I know, that was the one problem with the quote! 😂

[Derek Dobalian @DerekWDobalian]

@MemoryMedieval Definitely one of the best books on the Normans.

[Derek Dobalian @DerekWDobalian]

@MiddleearthMixr And quietly whispering “Deus Vult” every so often, I presume?

[Derek Dobalian @DerekWDobalian]

@tolkienthoughts Very interested. Will definitely be reading a bit later today. Thanks!

[Derek Dobalian @DerekWDobalian]

This conversation with @JohnGarthWriter is a must-listen! His description of Tolkien’s and Lewis’s friendship and how it spurred Tolkien on to continue writing his myth is fascinating.

[The Wonder of Tolkien @TolkienWonder]

If you want to hear Garth talk about all things Tolkien, here is a wonderful conversation we had together:

https://t.co/fanPRxFR1Z

[Derek Dobalian @DerekWDobalian]

@tolkienprof Excellent. Looking forward to the next session!

[Derek Dobalian @DerekWDobalian]

@TolkienWonder Congratulations! Looking forward to hearing about what else is planned!

[Derek Dobalian @DerekWDobalian]

@JohnGarthWriter This is very exciting. It’s a great idea, wishing you all the best on this journey!

[Derek Dobalian @DerekWDobalian]

Today in history, June 8, Nero killed himself. He was the Roman Emperor who had executed the Apostle Paul. Today, Nero’s influence is nonexistent, while millions of people read Paul’s words every single day.

Ultimately, it is truth spoken with courage and reverence for God that endures, every earthly power that sets itself against it fades into history.

[Derek Dobalian @DerekWDobalian]

@JayDyer @allan_robII Scripture is referred to as the Word of God numerous times (Luke 11:28, 1 Thess. 2:13, James 1, 1 Peter 1:23, many of the Psalms…).

[Derek Dobalian @DerekWDobalian]

@DavidLeeGenesis @BasedMikeLee @jasoninthehouse Exactly. Mormons simply make a claim about their experience and think that’s proof. They refuse to actually engage the historical record or how the Book of Mormon contradicts the Bible.

[Derek Dobalian @DerekWDobalian]

Mike, when asked for any type of evidence for the claims of Mormonism, the Mormon’s response is “read it and God will show you”. While experience can be important, this is ineffective due to the lack of evidence and evidence to the contrary of your claims.

More importantly, the Book of Mormon contradicts the Bible, which is the perfect Word of God, breathed out by Him. Therefore, it cannot be true. Further, because it asserts that God’s Word is full of lies, anyone who follows it cannot claim to be a Christian.

[Derek Dobalian @DerekWDobalian]

That’s a tough one for me, they both have great essays that I love rereading over and over. I’m not crazy about some of Chesterton’s focus on economics/ distributism, something I think Lewis was better on (though he wrote very little about it). I love Orthodoxy, and I would say it’s definitely more comprehensive than Mere Christianity.
I probably still prefer Lewis, but I get what you’re saying about having reread him so much haha. And Chesterton’s quotability is unmatched!

[Derek Dobalian @DerekWDobalian]

@tolkienthoughts The rereading aspect definitely makes sense to me, it’s hard not to learn something new every time you reread anything by Chesterton.

[Derek Dobalian @DerekWDobalian]

Interesting! Love Chesterton. The Everlasting Man is life-changing and should be required reading. And yes, he was prolific. Everything he wrote was brilliant too, even his stuff like The Defendant.
Though, I think Lewis’s fiction was superior. And I’d consider The Weight of Glory, Abolition of Man, and The Discarded Image to be on the same level as Chesterton’s masterpieces.

[Derek Dobalian @DerekWDobalian]

@tolkienthoughts We absolutely need this. It’s a crime we still don’t have the essays and lectures!

[Derek Dobalian @DerekWDobalian]

This post illustrates the problem with current American “conservatism.” It isn’t right-wing. It sees no problem with Lincoln because it has no problem with empire, war, and the administrative state. @AuronMacintyre stated a very basic, right-wing opinion about American history that is undeniably true. Yet, to the current “conservatives”, this is sacrilege.

[Joel Berry @JoelWBerry]

The post-WWII consensus is now the post-Civil War consensus. They’re inching closer to openly condemning the post-Revolutionary War consensus, which has always been their actual goal

[Derek Dobalian @DerekWDobalian]

@JoelWBerry You’re just now learning that Lincoln destroyed the Old Republic? And you think you are right-wing?