Tag Archives: history

The First World War, The Pilgrim’s Progress, and the Literary Imagination

Posted on August 21, 2022 by Ryan Buesnel

It is one of the curiosities of the First World War that amongst the artillery bombardments and deprivations of life in the trenches, time was often found for soldiers to engage in literary pursuits. In an environment where the guarantee … Continue reading →

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German Anti-Semitism in Context Part 5: Theodor Fritsch

Posted on January 25, 2022 by Ryan Buesnel

In his analysis of Theodor Fritsch’s anti-Semitism, the historian Reginald Phelps makes the claim that the German politician and influential publisher was the most important anti-Semite before Hitler.[1] In this assessment Phelps is in general agreement with the majority of … Continue reading →

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Writing Passionate History: The Example of Jules Isaac

Posted on December 11, 2019 by Ryan Buesnel

Must the writing of history always be undertaken in a spirit of cold detachment, or is there a legitimate place for the use of passion as a guiding force in the pursuit of historical inquiry? Traditional wisdom would suggest that … Continue reading →

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Historical Interpretation and the Example of the Holocaust

Posted on May 22, 2019 by Ryan Buesnel

In his brilliant panorama of German cultural and intellectual history, Peter Watson draws attention to a dimension of the Holocaust tragedy which is seldom acknowledged. The Holocaust, suggests Watson, ‘operates as an obstacle, a stumbling block, a reflecting mirror, that … Continue reading →

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Bishop Ambrose of Milan and the Relationship between Church and Emperor: A Snapshot

Posted on December 3, 2018 by Ryan Buesnel

For contemporary Western democracy, the idea that the Church and state should remain separate entities free from mutual influence enjoys popular acceptance. In a religiously plural and multicultural country such as Australia, it is widely thought that the Government administration … Continue reading →

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The Unabomber: Between Sympathy and Condemnation

Posted on January 16, 2018 by Ryan Buesnel

I have recently enjoyed watching Netflix’s mini-series Manhunt, which details the life and crimes of Ted Kaczynski- better known as the infamous Unabomber. Although already familiar with Kaczynski’s reign of terror, I found the emphasis this series placed on the … Continue reading →

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And the Sax Played On… (Or, why it’s not always a good idea to invite friends to Church)

Posted on September 19, 2016 by Ryan Buesnel

The pressure to invite my high school friends to Church events wasn’t oppressive, but it was subtly consistent. This pressure- perhaps expectation is a better word- manifested itself through casual remarks made by my Parents or youth leaders, to the … Continue reading →

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Visiting my Primary School, 21 years on.

Posted on March 20, 2015 by Ryan Buesnel

Several months ago I had the wonderful opportunity to take a drive with my Brother to the town in which I grew up.  It ended up being one of those beautiful days you spend with someone that you love in … Continue reading →

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