What is Retrograde Motion?

What is Retrograde Motion?

As ancient astronomers observed the movement of the heavens they noticed that seven stars moved independent of the others. These they called planets or “wandering stars.” They believed them to orbit the Earth in perfect circular patterns. However, upon closer study they discovered that rather than moving in perfect circles a planet would often stop in its path, loop back on itself, and then proceed forward. This phenomenon of a planet doubling back on itself is what is known as retrograde motion.

Why is this blog called “Retrograde Motion?”

Man throughout history has sought progress and advancement in his understanding of the world and reality. God designed man to cultivate the world He created, so it is only right and fitting that we should desire to work and discover new things. We cannot live in the past. To progress means we must move on from the past. However, we do not disregard the past. We return to and examine the past, and using the information we find there we blaze ahead. In this way, we are like the planet that doubles back on itself before turning and moving forward again. This blog is an attempt to think progressively about the world we find ourselves in today by doubling back on the teachings of those who came before us. We listen to the wisdom of the wise, and avoid the folly of the foolish. As we grow we must also circle back on our own lives and critique our own minds and hearts. When we find fault we must correct it to move forward. As C.S. Lewis wrote, “If you are on the wrong road, progress means doing an about-turn and walking back to the right road; and in that case the man who turns back soonest is the most progressive man.”

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The Crowning of a King

This morning, May 6, A.D. 2023, many witnessed the coronation of England’s King Charles III. As a devoted admirer of English history, the coronation this morning was something I had been anticipated for months, since the passing of the late Queen Elizabeth II. I was up at four this morning to turn on the tv (or should I say the “telly”) to watch the procession to Westminster Abbey before the coronation began. I have been talking to many of my friends and coworkers in the past week asking if they were planning to watch the broadcast as it went out live. Often, I was met with the same question: “Why do you care? It doesn’t effect you.” It is true, as an American citizen, the rule of King Charles does not have any sway over my daily life, but I would contend that it also does not mean I should disregard the coronation for a number of reasons. Firstly, America was settled largely by the English and is built on English tradition. Our ideas of liberty, freedom fro...

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This is a hymn that I wrote intended to be used as a call to worship. As believers gather to worship on the Lord's day, we are told that we are actually drawn up into heaven and standing in the presence of God. I wanted to write a hymn that reflected this both lyrically and musically.

Retrograde Motion

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