Search Our Writing:
Being Balanced
Mar 20, 2026 | By Lance Cartwright UT Austin ‘27
Like many college students, I spend a great deal of effort trying to balance my life. Every semester I think I’m going to do better: This semester I can at least go to the gym three times a week. I should get in the habit of reading the Rudin textbook before lectures. Maybe I’ll spend more time alone so I can focus on getting things done. Actually, I should try to work in study groups for better accountability. If I can just get a consistent morning routine then I’ll stick to a schedule for the rest of the day
The Sun’s Descent
Mar 19, 2026 | By Kelsey Rayer UT Austin ‘28
Useless labor, fleeting riches, forgotten reputations, and imperfect justice haunt the Preacher’s reflections in Ecclesiastes. “All is vanity.” Toil under the sun cannot justify itself; virtue and wisdom are “striving after the wind.” The Earth needs an external authority’s redemption, something Plato recognizes “isn’t being but is still beyond being, exceeding it in dignity and power.” It needs God.
An Eyeless Animal
Mar 18, 2026 | By Mollie Walters UT Austin ‘27
In 2011, Texas experienced the worst 1-year drought on record. From one winter to the next, average precipitation was 11.27 inches. Statewide water reservoirs dropped to 58%. Plants dried out. Wildfires sparked and destroyed over 1,600 homes. In the end, total crop and livestock losses summed to approximately 7.62 billion dollars.
Snow Melts
Mar 17, 2026 | By Joseph Yu BF ‘28
I’m back home for break in Central Massachusetts and the weather has been hovering around 50 Fahrenheit for the past week, not even dipping below freezing on certain days. By New England standards, spring is here, and Punxsutawney Phil’s clock is expiring. It feels as if the moment it shoots above 60 degrees again, green buds and shoots will burst forth and transform the barren forests into a shimmering, viridescent display.
Summa Thomas Chalmers: On Inspiration
Mar 15, 2026 | By Joelle Chong
Modern conversations about the Bible have seen a recurrent trend: individuals will study the Bible and subsequently choose to soften or re-interpret aspects of the scripture. Some believe that many sections of the Bible represent the thought of their respective eras. Many others believe that if the Bible were written today, it would convey an entirely new message. The underlying idea behind both of these beliefs is that divine truth is historically bound and, therefore, that elements of the Bible can be reduced or eliminated without diminishing the totality of the message contained in scripture.
From Sinai to the Marriage Supper of the Lamb
Mar 16, 2026 | By Oscar Miñoso-Rendón SM ‘27
For as long as I’ve been a Christian, I’ve been struck by the marital language of the New Testament: St. Paul’s comparison of the love between husband and wife to the love of Christ for His Church, Christ’s public miracle at the wedding of Cana, and the image in Revelation of the eschatological wedding feast of the Lamb. Only recently, however, have I begun to appreciate the historical and spiritual weight of that imagery—the sense in which Christ the Bridegroom comes as the fulfillment of a promise first spoken to Israel.
Upcoming Events:
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Writing Voice Workshop
THURSDAY, JAN 22ND, 6:15-7:50 PM,
Elm Institute
This week, we will hone our writing voice in different styles.
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Editing for Writing with Voice Workshop
THURSDAY, JAN 29TH, 6:15-7:15 PM, Location TBD
Based on the previous week’s workshop, we will edit our pieces to hone our writing voice.
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Veritas Weekend
FEB 6-8TH, Boston
Save the date for Veritas Weekend in Boston! More information below!
Signup Date Passed
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Theme Introduction Meeting
THURSDAY, FEB 12ND, 6:15-7:15 PM,
Location TBD
Our theme this semester is… mirrors! We will be exploring the literary tradition and potential topics for mirrors.
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Theme Introduction at Elm
THURSDAY, FEB 19ND, 6:15-7:50 PM,
Elm Institute
We will be continuing our exploration of the theme of mirrors at the Elm Institute, with a session led by Peter Wicks.
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Writing Retreat
SATURDAY, MARCH 28TH
We will be adjourning to the countryside to spend a day dedicated to making progress on our drafts.