Library: Office Hours
Office Hours Columns
Office Hours is written by J. Budziszewski (a.k.a. Professor Theophilus). Author of more than half a dozen books, the professor teaches government and philosophy at the University of Texas, Austin. You can (and should) visit him often in the Prof's Office.
We've listed the professor's Office Hours columns below by date. For archived columns prior to 2005, please visit our sister site, Boundless.
- Office Hours: Another Bleeping DialogueIs cursing really that bad if no one is using God's name in vain? Professor Theophilus and a student discuss those four-letter words.
- Office Hours: All Those Errors in the Bible, Part 3Nathan and Professor Theophilus finish their conversation about mistakes in the Bible.
- Office Hours: All Those Errors in the Bible, Part 2Nathan and Professor Theophilus continue their conversation about mistakes in the Bible.
- Office Hours: All Those Errors in the Bible, Part 1Ever wonder if there are mistakes in the Bible? Join in on the conversation between Nathan and Professor Theophilus.
- Office Hours: None of Yer BiznessTravis was rejected by the girl he likes because he's not a Christian. He's angry about it and is taking it all out on Professor Theophilus.
- Office Hours: Playing by the Rules, Part 2 of 2What's the difference between abstinence and chastity? Professor Theophilus and his student finish their conversation about physical boundaries in relationships.
- Office Hours: Playing by the Rules, Part 1 of 2How far is too far when it comes to the physical aspect of relationships? Professor Theophilus and a student chat about kissing and beyond.
- Office Hours: God and Country, Part 2 of 2Should Christians support America? Professor Theophilus and a student wrap up their conversation about God and country.
- Office Hours: God and Country, Part 1 of 2Was America founded as a Christian nation? If so, is it still? Professor Theophilus talks with a student about America's roots and its current issues.
- Office Hours: The Rant, Part 2 of 2Can Professor Theophilus talk about why dating couples shouldn't live together before marriage without mentioning God? Let's find out.
- Office Hours: The Rant, Part 1Russell's parents have cut him off. Doesn't it count for anything that it's his life?
- Office Hours: Freshman Orientation, Part 2 of 2Should believers only attend Christian colleges? Professor Theophilus has some advice about choosing where to go to school.
- Office Hours: Freshman Orientation, Part 1 of 2Is college necessary for everyone? Is a degree the only way to get ahead in our world? Professor Theophilus tackles some common college-related questions.
- Office Hours: Tired to the Bone, Part 2 of 2Is baptism a necessity or just an outward symbol to show your affection for Christ? Professor Theophilus discusses the necessity of baptism with his student.
- Office Hours: Tired to the Bone, Part 1 of 2Tired of arguing with people about faith, reason and everything in between? Check out Professor Theophilus' latest column.
- Office Hours: AbsolutelyProfessor Theophilus and Nathan discuss absolutes. Do they really exist?
- Office Hours: Don't Mention ItZack is switching churches and his parents disapprove. How can he handle the situation in a way that's respectful?
- Office Hours: Theophilus Flakes Out, Part 2Professor Theophilus talks with students about defending the Christian position in a way that non-Christians can accept.
- Office Hours: Theophilus Flakes Out, Part 1Professor Theophilus talks with students about defending the Christian position in a way that non-Christians can accept.
- Office Hours: The Comeback Sin, Part 2Professor Theophilus finishes his conversation with Peter about a sin that just won't go away.
- Office Hours: The Comeback Sin, Part 1Ever been haunted by a recurring sin? Professor Theophilus helps a student in angst who's searching for redemption.
- Office Hours: TerrorHow might the principles of the Just War Doctrine be applied when it comes to terrorism?
- Office Hours: Generic People, Part 2Professor Theophilus references the very nature of God to help us better understand how men and women are, at their core, quite different from each other.
- Office Hours: Generic People, Part 1"Differences between the sexes start with anatomy," Professor Theophilus posited, "but do they end there?"
- Office Hours: The Wrong QuestionIt's not always best to answer the questions people ask. Sometimes it's better to answer the questions they mean.
- Office Hours: New, Improved, and Lowered StandardsLike "edgy" guys? Given a choice between a rusty pocket knife and a diamond-edged sword, which do you take?
- Office Hours: Coming Un-CluedProf. Theo helps his goddaughter understand how others might see her and Mickey as more than "just friends."
- Office Hours: The Lord Told Me, Part 2Professor Theophilus continues his conversation with Julie, a student who's having trouble hearing from God.
- Office Hours: The Lord Told Me, Part 1If you're not hearing from the Lord, perhaps it's because you're listening wrong.
- Office Hours: What I Wrote in the Book of LifeWhat would it be like if people were really honest in their diaries, if they wrote in them the things that in real life they don't even admit to themselves?
- Office Hours: Not EnoughOne of Professor Theo's students confesses to struggle with wanting more. In the spirit of Advent, the professor suggests that perhaps he should find himself wanting even more.
- Office Hours: As Though There Were No GodThink you're agnostic? Think again. Theo helps a college student understand the "Most Important Thing."
- Office Hours: Why Am I Still Being Punished?Sometimes our sins are easily forgiven and forgotten. Other times, the damage is too deep to quickly be undone. It's about the slow repair, says Theophilus.
- Office Hours: Guilt TripTheo continues to help Zack and Julie resolve their issues with church.
- Office Hours: Scouting AroundGetting married in a church is about more than lovely stained glass and wood pews. It's about more than Christian vows. Listen in as Theo talks with Zack and Julie, two former, almost-engaged students.
- Office Hours: Katie's ChoiceFor some singles, the pressure to marry threatens to overwhelm what they really desire.
- Office Hours: Updating EternityYou hear it all the time: the old beliefs aren't believable any more. But what if you've never even learned what the old beliefs are?
- Office Hours: The Angry Tribe of Opinionated Professors, Part 2Still searching for answers about handling their professors' hostility, Theophilus' students finish their lunchtime inquisition with the good doctor.
- Office Hours: The Angry Tribe of Opinionated Professors, Part 1
- Office Hours: Confused About EverythingJust months away from graduation and still without a major, Julie is at Professor Theophilus' door, desperate for some guidance.
- Office Hours: The Seeker (Homophobia, Part 2)The last time Theophilus had a conversation with a gay student, the complaints poured in. That couldn't be a real dialogue, you said. Now that the events are real, the outcome may surprise you.
- Office Hours: Homophobia: An Unfinished StoryAccused of being homophobic, Professor Theophilus goes toe-to-toe with a gay college student.
Back to top