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The Eagle & Child

Andy Johnson III — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 18:38:15 +0000

I’m sitting in one of the most appropriate places to reflect on the power and influence of writing; under the shadow of two of the greatest writers of the last century, C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. Overjoyed to find an empty table in the Rabbit Room at The Eagle & Child, I am enjoying a cup of tea and reveling in this place.

The Inklings, as Lewis, Tolkien and a few other fellow writers called themselves, used to meet here in this very room to discuss their philosophical and literary interests. The history of this place extends much further back, however, to 1650 when The Eagle & Child was first known as a public house. It is remarkable to be surrounded by so much history here in Oxford!

One of the things that I believe made C.S. Lewis such an influential theological writer was that he was not first and foremost a theologian. Encountering his conversion and theological interests later in life, Lewis approached his thoughts on Christianity from his literary background. The uniqueness of his resulting perspective has reverberated around the church ever since his Christian writings began to circulate.

I hope to learn from Lewis’ example what it takes to understand and share my faith, in particular through writing, from a unique and personalized point of view.

Feeling At Home

Andy Johnson III — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 08:30:29 +0000

“He’s someone who cares ridiculously much about the intimate details of our lives.” I overheard this statement from a girl sharing her faith with a friend at The Eagle & Child. Her expressed confidence in God’s concern for our best interests made me feel even more at home here at Oxford.

This place feels wonderfully familiar. Oxford is perhaps the closest place that I have to a home overseas. Flying across the Atlantic, bussing to Oxford, then walking down St. Giles Street to have tea in the Rabbit Room at The Eagle & Child all feels quite natural. I’m sure this is largely due to how long I have been here. I’d like to think though that it is linked to how long I have desired to someday study and live here. Meanwhile, I am thrilled to be here in a most fitting place to prepare my heart and mind for my upcoming time in Africa!

Conversation With an Oxford Drunk

Andy Johnson III — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 18:40:20 +0000

I was walking along Headington Road toward the city centre when a drunken man said hello and struck up a conversation with me. Amidst laughing my head off, here are a few of things that I remember him saying:

Drunk: I’m only five years old and I’m Robert the Bruce.
Me: Hi, I’m William Wallace.
Drunk: You’re bloody amazing!

After performing what seemed to be an attempt at a comedy routine that had me cracking up, I asked:

Me: Are you a comedian?
Drunk: Are you laughing?

He had a point there. Then he asked:

Drunk: Are you from Canada?
Me: No I’m from the US, California.
Drunk: I know where you’re from. Wisconisn.
Me: Actually close. Ohio.
Drunk: 200 miles between them. D*** I’m good.

Everything is So Different Here

Andy Johnson III — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 07:59:57 +0000

When I finally made my way through the long lines at customs, I walked through the welcoming area at London Heathrow right into a Starbucks. I guess we have globalization to thank for that and in this particular moment drinking an Americana in London was most welcome. So I guess the culture shock will have to wait for another day.