Tower Of Logos: A Declaration Of Intellectual Freedom

[Zarn Ishtare]

Well, I'd like to officially introduce something I've been kicking around for a few months now, but have gotten distracted/busy with other things. You see, several months ago, four people got together to attempt to build a fellowship of Christian Intellectuals, a group called the Tower Of Logos, which would strive to build a strong intellectual alliance, a body of educated christians who could together form a body of philosophers, scientists, artists, and writers to build cohesive discussion, to educate one another in their related fields, and to propose new systems of thought, philosophy, government, and other innovative ideas.

Initially it was my descision to keep this project private, among only the invited few. However, after some deliberation, I have decided to make a public invitation to any and all pseudo-intellectuals (like me), poets, artists, scientists, philosophers, theologians, educated persons, and brilliant madmen alike to join me in this task.


I would like to warn that this is a serious gathering of people; this is not a simple hang-out spot or a place just to shoot the breeze. I'm attempting something that is relatively rare on the internet to fill the gap I see here, to gather through the power of technology a group of gifted individuals who will strive together with me to discuss and form new ideas and ideals.


I realize theologyweb already has something *Like* what I'm proposing, at least, in some fashion. However, the differences are many; this project is something to commit to, a group of individuals, striving for a unified goal, rather than debate being an end in of itself. I hope eventually to inspire people from there to join us, however, that will have to wait until this thing gets abit bigger.


With that said, I would like to post something I've drafted as the first Declaration of the Tower Of Logos. Please consider my words, and let me know if this interests you.



The Tower Of Logos

A Declaration Of Intellectual Freedom In An Age Of Despair

Introduction to the Tower by Ishtar
“As a typical internet intellectual, I’ve long sought after a place where I could find worthwhile discussion, intellectual integrity, and strong friendships with other thinkers, writers, and poets. I’ve been blessed to meet several individuals of that mien who I hold high regard for, and in part this whole thing is nothing more than a formalization of the old club.

“But in many ways, this is an entirely different entity, a formal brotherhood of thinkers, qualified or otherwise, who have come together for the express purpose of finding solutions to problems which plague us, to creating new ideas of government, philosophy, and theology. We realize that this is an audacious task; one that is not taken lightly by our few members. Nevertheless, we seek to accomplish these great goals through whatever paths we choose to take, through the arts of discussion and debate, through idle conversation and powerful thinking, to take in many views, and perhaps attempt to fuse together one philosophy under which we all might agree…though that is a more difficult task than even I realize.

“More than anything, we seek the pleasure of the Father; that is the only object upon which we may allow ourselves to focus, even as we do argue amongst ourselves on how to go about obtaining that delight. We seek nothing less than the will of the Father for us, for our families, and ultimately for our fellow human beings. We seek His great gifts of knowledge, the touch of enlightenment that flows from the fount of his being, which simply is, His presence and His Love. If we do not succeed in uncovering any great mysteries or realizing any new majestic destinies, what of it? We will have striven to touch the moon, but even though we should fall, it would only be among the stars…and it is in that mindset we strive anyway, figuring out the great and small of God’s great Kingdom, so that like precious pearls we may distribute them amongst our brothers, our family, our humanity. I believe in this goal, as unattainable as it seems, because we live in an age where the brilliant have become commonplace, where shining lights of knowledge have driven back the dark shadows of ignorance and fear…for now, at least. Therefore, I am compelled to use this time as wisely as possible, for how soon will those lights fail, how soon will the shadows return, greater than they were in my grand-fathers, or my great grandfathers generation?


“Now, we have also taken up among our ranks poets, writers, who may feel ill-equipped in our debates and our dealings, or who shun them in favor of their own arts. I have called them into the Tower for the same reason I brought together my old club of friends, because through our shared knowledge, through our combined ability, we may make something beautiful. Both Poets and Philosophers seek the divine spark of creation, that power men call “Inspirationâ€

[Sammy Boy]

A very interesting idea that I have also felt a need for, but I know enough about philosophy and theology to know that I really don't know all that much, so I doubt my ability to contribute in any substantial way.

On top of this, work, study, drawing commitments, and family are using up my neuron quota each day. When your idea takes off, please do let me know, I would be interested to see how it is doing. Thanks.

May God be with you as you seek to serve Him.

[mitsuki lover]

The obvious question that pops up in my mind is just how much room will you leave for debate amongst your members?I mean one of the problems I see with
Theologyweb is that every so often they get into shouting matches as to who is and isn't being 'orthodox' and also what is and isn't 'orthodox christianity'.
I think something like this would be a good idea as long as you have some sort of gentlemen's agreement to agree to disagree on topics that aren't necessarily essential or important.
The same would also apply to politics and philosophy.
While knowing our differences is important we need not be uncivilized about it or treat each other in an acriminous fashion.

[Stephen]

This is by no means an offical Mod annoucement.


I hate offshoot groups on CAA. It always comes off as clickish. It makes some people feel exluded...and most the time the groups are pointless. *shrug* Just my opinion.

[Zarn Ishtare]

Well, Mitsuki, you make an excellent point. After we type up abit more of the rules, we'll include that, but until it kicks off really well, I doubt we'll need to make that official.


We're inviting, folks. The link for the site is in the Links forum, and activity on the site would be a godsend (Although I'm still building it.)