I have always been drawn to the Big Questions. As a small child, I wanted to know everything, and it bothered me that there was so much of the world I did not understand. I still have a desperate thirst for knowledge, though I am humble enough to realize that omniscience belongs only to God.
In the novel Sophie’s World, the professor describes philosophy as maintaining one’s childlike sense of wonder at the miracle of the world, and I find this metaphor apt indeed. There is a certain playfulness to philosophy, the ability to poke at the boundaries of human nature and culture and see if they poke back. There is a sense of adventure that comes with being willing to ask any question and follow the path of reason wherever it may lead that has always appealed to me.
And yet I am also a person of faith, a Roman Catholic to be more precise. Fortunately for me, the Catholic Church encourages the synthesis of faith and reason, a tradition stretching back to Saints Aquinas and Augustine in the Middle Ages. As Saint John Paul the Great wrote in Fides et Ratio, “Faith and reason are like two wings on which the human spirit rises to the contemplation of truth.”
Philosophy is where my heart resides, and yet you will also find me writing about politics, history, literature, and culture. When I do so, it is usually with the philosopher’s lens of examining the assumptions underlying these cultural artifacts.
I hope you enjoy what you find here, and that the ideas exchanged on this site further the goals of open and respectful dialogue.
Respectfully,
FPP
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The Front Porch Philosopher 
Dear Lauren, You can add the Pennell family to the list of people praying and waiting for Little Sam’s recovery. May God bless you and your family. Thank your mom for posting your blog on Facebook. Now I can follow you! With love and prayers, Lara (Marciano) Pennell
Hi Lauren,
This is your Aunt Gen’s friend from way back. I’ve followed your growing up through your aunt and I can tell you she is very proud of you. She sent me your blog today because she has always known of my Christian convictions even though she witnessed many strays from them. I’m elated to read your convicting words and statements of truth on the internet. May God continue to bless you and your family as you use the gift he has clearly given you to share from your soul the truth of His love.
Aunt Francine
I am enjoying your writings very much, though I do not agree with everything. I appreciate your well thought-out opinions and the (few) times I don’t agree, I have fun using your thoughts to mentally challenge my own ideas on the subject.
Miss Lauren, hello !
You ‘liked’ a Twitter post of mine
and I looked at your profile.
I was intrigued by your phraseology
so I’m checking it out.
It appears to be a fruitful journey
for me.
Thank you for liking a stupid Tweet,
Joel
Niagara Falls