Greetings, readers!
I am a senior at Dordt College in northwest Iowa, and God willing, I will graduate in May with a degree in political studies and communications. I grew up in the Christian Reformed Church, and from a young age took on the role of official apologist for Calvinism at my non-denominational Christian K-12 school. I still play this role when necessary. (New Acquaintance: “You’re a Calvinist???” Me: “Yes, let me explain…I’m not going to eat your babies.”) But my two great loves growing up were science fiction and politics, loves that continue to this day. At college, I’ve enjoyed reading books I disagree with, basking in the glow of Kenny Gradert’s intellect and drumming skills, writing papers, opinion pieces and fiction, and sitting at the feet of my fellow students, especially the other Veil Away contributors.
In 2008, I spent a semester studying in Cairo, Egypt, taking classes in regional politics, Islam and Arabic. As part of that study program, I also spent a month traveling in Turkey, Syria and Israel/Palestine. It was an amazing experience that forced me to tear down and rebuild most of my beliefs about politics and religion from the ground up. Now I’m pursuing the quixotic goal of mastering Arabic. We’ll see how that goes. I hope to return to the Middle East to study after graduation.
I will probably devote most of my posts here to science fiction, American and Christian culture, everything Middle Eastern, my favorite airport novels, and whatever I can add to my colleagues’ theological and philosophical insights. I have my own blog at http://joelveldkamp.blogspot.com, where I focus more on politics. I look forward to meeting and discussing with you all. Until then, as-salaamu‘alaykum! (That means “peace be upon you,” Kenny.)
Joel, unfortunately, I don’t know you that well. “You should talk with that Veldkamp guy,” was a common comment during political discussions around campus, it just never happened in the time our years at Dordt overlapped. Look forward to seeing what you’re about.
Tom, I remember going to L’Abri with you and talking with you once or twice, but certainly not enough. I’m also looking forward to reading your work! Talk to you soon.