Fines et Initia. Endings and Beginnings.
The writings here express thoughts and observations on the fall and rise of Western and Christian civilization.
Generally these thoughts strongly lean towards an authoritarian, hierarchical, tribalist, and Traditionalist Christian understanding of the Divine Order, an understanding that is at total odds with the reigning Dystopia. A Dystopia that leaves me quite pissed off half the time these days!
Some years ago, a friend of this writer observed during one marathon debate or another that I had a nasty habit of taking two sides in an argument, and he derisively called me “Janus” from then on. (So this isn’t a pagan thing. Far from it!)
Each contributor here represents distinct personalities in the mind of one man:
Janus
When of one mind, Janus’ views form a composite of his two main sides. He attempts to consider issues with restraint and thoughtfulness, though he remains biased towards Christianity and Western traditions. Outsiders might call him a Conservative, but in fact he is a Fundamentalist in that he promotes the Christian values that raised Western civilization to its peak.
At times Janus possesses two minds on a given subject. Sometimes these thoughts oppose one another; sometimes they merely differ. At other times, one mind will take interest in a matter while the other will not. The two sides will even frequently agree, but for different reasons.
Patulcius
One of the faces, looking to our right and called Patulcius, is the headstrong and determined side of Janus, tending to authoritarian ideals. Patulcius upholds the traditions of Christianity and Western civilization, and the well-being of Western nations. Patulcius sees world events as a struggle between divine and demonic forces.
Clusivius
The other face—the easy-going, more open-minded, left-facing Clusivius—dislikes authority and prefers a more individualistic outlook. While Christian, Clusivius takes an interest in the well-being of other civilizations as well as the Western. Clusivius tends to believe that elitist conspiracies play a major part in world events.
Concorditas
When possible, the complete Janus seeks to form a synthesis of the two sides when making a decision. At other times Janus allows any differences to stand without resolution. But now and again the two sides must battle one another until one side wins Janus’ acceptance.
Other Contributors:
C. F. van Niekerk
Tending to sensationalize, and sometimes hyperbolize, C. F. van Niekerk over-analyzes any number of subjects from mundane minutiae to the great philosophical questions of life itself.
Katáxiros
Katáxiros, the parched one, alone and adrift at sea, yet ever rowing ahead anyhow, sometimes weakly and sometimes vigorously, thirsting after God through the Orthodox Christian Church, contemplating the ways of the Lord, recognizing that while he is inadequate to the task, he must press ever ahead. Katáxiros writes about matters pertaining specifically to the Orthodox Church.
Barzillai “19th Century” Bozarth
Barzillai Alpheus Bozarth claims to be a 19th Century man marooned in the 21st Century after a failed experiment in inter-dimensional travel. Not at all impressed with the wonders of our time, he would give just about anything to return to his beloved world of “horse manure and civilized etiquette”. Barzillai writes historical observations and pores over old books and documents.
The Wanderer
We don’t know what to make of the Wanderer. He walks in with the moon and rolls out with the wind. He uses no name; the smell of rank sweat, dirt, and smoke marks him as much as anything. He’s always near, but never close. Heedless of human ideals and bounds, he stands unyielding for honor on the ground. He’s practical to a fault when he’s not romantic to even greater fault. He says little, but when he does finally speak, we listen up. The Wanderer is our lawman of final resort. By hook or by crook, he sees a job done, just don’t ask how. Frankly, we’re a little afraid of the Wanderer.
Concussus
Nature can be cruel to mankind. If Concussus had his way, nature would be crueler yet. Concussus tends to arrive at the blackest of times, when humanity seems the most despicable.
Diabolus
Diabolus, the devil’s advocate. Sometimes we are tempted to embrace the evil world that we despise. Diabolus is there to encourage us in this folly. Fortunately a rare visitor here.
