Alan Koppschall
@alankoppschall.bsky.social
Journalist | Editor @Plough | @theBruderhof member | @PittTweet and @SienaCollege Grad | hopelessly optimistic @ManUtd fan
Reposted by Alan Koppschall
When Christians Follow Nietzsche
Enthusiasm for Nietzsche’s ideal of human excellence and vitality has given rise to calls for manly Christian warriors to flex their superiority. -
www.plough.com/en/topics/li...
Enthusiasm for Nietzsche’s ideal of human excellence and vitality has given rise to calls for manly Christian warriors to flex their superiority. -
www.plough.com/en/topics/li...
When Christians Follow Nietzsche
Enthusiasm for Nietzsche’s ideal of human excellence and vitality has given rise to calls for manly Christian warriors to flex their superiority.
www.plough.com
November 8, 2025 at 5:54 PM
When Christians Follow Nietzsche
Enthusiasm for Nietzsche’s ideal of human excellence and vitality has given rise to calls for manly Christian warriors to flex their superiority. -
www.plough.com/en/topics/li...
Enthusiasm for Nietzsche’s ideal of human excellence and vitality has given rise to calls for manly Christian warriors to flex their superiority. -
www.plough.com/en/topics/li...
Reposted by Alan Koppschall
A journalist heads to Dover to gauge local reactions to an influx of migrant dinghies – and discovers that the headlines get it all wrong.
@horatioclare.bsky.social
www.plough.com/en/topics/ju...
@horatioclare.bsky.social
www.plough.com/en/topics/ju...
When Migrants Land in Britian
A journalist heads to Dover to gauge local reactions to an influx of migrant dinghies – and discovers that the headlines get it all wrong.
www.plough.com
November 14, 2025 at 11:05 AM
A journalist heads to Dover to gauge local reactions to an influx of migrant dinghies – and discovers that the headlines get it all wrong.
@horatioclare.bsky.social
www.plough.com/en/topics/ju...
@horatioclare.bsky.social
www.plough.com/en/topics/ju...
Reposted by Alan Koppschall
www.plough.com/en/topics/ju...?
A long piece but important for Christians in the struggle against racism
A long piece but important for Christians in the struggle against racism
The Politics of Pagan Christianity
Today’s nationalist Christians should heed the message of the anti-Nazi theologian Henri de Lubac.
www.plough.com
November 13, 2025 at 9:51 AM
www.plough.com/en/topics/ju...?
A long piece but important for Christians in the struggle against racism
A long piece but important for Christians in the struggle against racism
Reposted by Alan Koppschall
I have a lot more to say about all of this - some of which - about ideas of cure and nature - I’ve already said in my best words in Some of Us Just Fall and various shorter pieces including most recently in @plough.bsky.social
www.plough.com/en/topics/li...
www.plough.com/en/topics/li...
The Myth of the Nature Cure
In the English Lake District I found companionship in nature, not a cure.
www.plough.com
August 2, 2025 at 12:31 PM
I have a lot more to say about all of this - some of which - about ideas of cure and nature - I’ve already said in my best words in Some of Us Just Fall and various shorter pieces including most recently in @plough.bsky.social
www.plough.com/en/topics/li...
www.plough.com/en/topics/li...
Reposted by Alan Koppschall
The ‘nature cure’ is a lie, says @pollyrowena.bsky.social:
A false belief that our health is under our control (so long as we do enough wild swimming) and ‘only another iteration of the ways in which we exploit our environment for human gain.’
www.plough.com/en/topics/li...
A false belief that our health is under our control (so long as we do enough wild swimming) and ‘only another iteration of the ways in which we exploit our environment for human gain.’
www.plough.com/en/topics/li...
The Myth of the Nature Cure
In the English Lake District I found companionship in nature, not a cure.
www.plough.com
July 6, 2025 at 10:45 AM
The ‘nature cure’ is a lie, says @pollyrowena.bsky.social:
A false belief that our health is under our control (so long as we do enough wild swimming) and ‘only another iteration of the ways in which we exploit our environment for human gain.’
www.plough.com/en/topics/li...
A false belief that our health is under our control (so long as we do enough wild swimming) and ‘only another iteration of the ways in which we exploit our environment for human gain.’
www.plough.com/en/topics/li...
Reposted by Alan Koppschall
As we approach the 4th of July: www.plough.com/en/topics/cu...
Poem: “On the Staten Island Ferry”
Poem: On the Staten Island Ferry by A. E. Stallings
www.plough.com
July 3, 2025 at 10:28 AM
As we approach the 4th of July: www.plough.com/en/topics/cu...
Reposted by Alan Koppschall
This @plough.bsky.social essay by Malcolm Guite absolutely splendid. "A good life is not merely one indefinitely extended through meticulous attention to bodily wellness, but one spent in community and with joy." www.plough.com/en/topics/li...
In Defense of Pint and Pipe
Smoking and drinking carry known risks. Here’s why I haven’t given them up.
www.plough.com
July 5, 2025 at 2:14 PM
This @plough.bsky.social essay by Malcolm Guite absolutely splendid. "A good life is not merely one indefinitely extended through meticulous attention to bodily wellness, but one spent in community and with joy." www.plough.com/en/topics/li...
Reposted by Alan Koppschall
Just published today: www.plough.com/en/topics/li...
The Myth of the Nature Cure
In the English Lake District I found companionship in nature, not a cure.
www.plough.com
June 27, 2025 at 2:03 PM
Just published today: www.plough.com/en/topics/li...
Reposted by Alan Koppschall
"The nature cure is only [an example of how] we exploit our environment for human gain, in which we seek to mine the hills and dredge the seas for the green gold of well-being. If we go to nature expecting it to heal us, we are not going to it for its own sake."
www.plough.com/en/topics/li...
www.plough.com/en/topics/li...
The Myth of the Nature Cure
In the English Lake District I found companionship in nature, not a cure.
www.plough.com
June 30, 2025 at 2:33 PM
"The nature cure is only [an example of how] we exploit our environment for human gain, in which we seek to mine the hills and dredge the seas for the green gold of well-being. If we go to nature expecting it to heal us, we are not going to it for its own sake."
www.plough.com/en/topics/li...
www.plough.com/en/topics/li...
Reposted by Alan Koppschall
New pome, with thanks to Plough: www.plough.com/en/topics/cu...
Poem: “It Could Be Worse”
Poem: It Could Be Worse by A. E. Stallings
www.plough.com
July 1, 2025 at 7:19 AM
New pome, with thanks to Plough: www.plough.com/en/topics/cu...
Reposted by Alan Koppschall
A firsthand account from the Weddell and Ross Seas shows how cold, salty Antarctic Bottom Water forms—and why it’s crucial for global ocean ventilation and climate.
www.plough.com/en/topics/ju...
www.plough.com/en/topics/ju...
In Deep Water off Antarctica
On an icebreaker in the Weddell Sea, I felt a warming planet’s pulse.
www.plough.com
July 1, 2025 at 8:12 PM
A firsthand account from the Weddell and Ross Seas shows how cold, salty Antarctic Bottom Water forms—and why it’s crucial for global ocean ventilation and climate.
www.plough.com/en/topics/ju...
www.plough.com/en/topics/ju...
Reposted by Alan Koppschall
Reposted by Alan Koppschall
My father died on Father’s Day two years ago. (6/16). @Plough had scheduled this interview with me to run that day. www.plough.com/en/topics/ju...
A Father’s Legacy to His Son – and His Country
Robert Ellsberg talks about his father, Daniel Ellsberg, their relationship, and his impact in this interview.
www.plough.com
June 15, 2025 at 12:30 PM
My father died on Father’s Day two years ago. (6/16). @Plough had scheduled this interview with me to run that day. www.plough.com/en/topics/ju...
Reposted by Alan Koppschall
totally wild one from NYPL's spring list (out of a downstate commune's publishing house) www.plough.com/en/topics/fa...
By Water: The Felix Manz Story
By Water chronicles the conflict between Reformation leader Ulrich Zwingli and his student Felix Manz, who was drowned as one of the first Anabaptist martyrs of the Radical Reformation.
www.plough.com
May 22, 2025 at 6:06 PM
totally wild one from NYPL's spring list (out of a downstate commune's publishing house) www.plough.com/en/topics/fa...
Reposted by Alan Koppschall
"Steele’s work is in a category apart, however. No serious poet can afford to ignore it, and in fact few have." A wonderful review of Timothy Steele's All the Fun's in How You Say a Thing in @plough.bsky.social: www.plough.com/en/topics/cu...
#poetrycommunity
#poetrycommunity
To Rhyme Is Human
A poet reviews three essential guides to the history and craft of writing poetry in English, which point to a bright future for versification.
www.plough.com
May 15, 2025 at 6:49 PM
"Steele’s work is in a category apart, however. No serious poet can afford to ignore it, and in fact few have." A wonderful review of Timothy Steele's All the Fun's in How You Say a Thing in @plough.bsky.social: www.plough.com/en/topics/cu...
#poetrycommunity
#poetrycommunity
Reposted by Alan Koppschall
My wife Sarah has written a really excellent piece for Plough on what Christians owe strangers in need, drawing upon her own experience working with refugees and upon the history of Christian thought. Alas — a very timely piece right now. ⚓️
“If I Go Back, They Will Kill Me”
What helping refugees in Greece and Nevada taught me about generosity and hospitality.
www.plough.com
April 28, 2025 at 7:47 PM
My wife Sarah has written a really excellent piece for Plough on what Christians owe strangers in need, drawing upon her own experience working with refugees and upon the history of Christian thought. Alas — a very timely piece right now. ⚓️
Reposted by Alan Koppschall
The Case for Not Sanitizing Fairy Tales -
Fairy tales are the best way for children to learn that the world contains evil, violence, and danger. #Folklore
www.plough.com/en/topics/cu...
Fairy tales are the best way for children to learn that the world contains evil, violence, and danger. #Folklore
www.plough.com/en/topics/cu...
The Case for Not Sanitizing Fairy Tales
Haley Stewart recommends reading classic fairy tales to children without sanitizing them.
www.plough.com
May 8, 2025 at 12:04 PM
The Case for Not Sanitizing Fairy Tales -
Fairy tales are the best way for children to learn that the world contains evil, violence, and danger. #Folklore
www.plough.com/en/topics/cu...
Fairy tales are the best way for children to learn that the world contains evil, violence, and danger. #Folklore
www.plough.com/en/topics/cu...
Reposted by Alan Koppschall
Like I said www.plough.com/en/topics/ju...
May 7, 2025 at 1:46 AM
Like I said www.plough.com/en/topics/ju...
Reposted by Alan Koppschall
A short story by Narine set on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border at the time of the First Karabakh War.
www.plough.com/en/topics/cu...
www.plough.com/en/topics/cu...
Baghardj to Die For
In this short story set in war-torn Armenia, a father cares for his only son, crippled by a bomb and destined to remain a child forever.
www.plough.com
April 24, 2025 at 4:21 AM
A short story by Narine set on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border at the time of the First Karabakh War.
www.plough.com/en/topics/cu...
www.plough.com/en/topics/cu...
Reposted by Alan Koppschall
“Security is good, but our security should not be our only or even our first concern. Our resources are not just for us or for our loved ones. Our duty, as Calvin says, is not “fully discharged” if we only attend to our own people.” www.plough.com/en/topics/ju...
“If I Go Back, They Will Kill Me”
What helping refugees in Greece and Nevada taught me about generosity and hospitality.
www.plough.com
April 30, 2025 at 6:56 PM
“Security is good, but our security should not be our only or even our first concern. Our resources are not just for us or for our loved ones. Our duty, as Calvin says, is not “fully discharged” if we only attend to our own people.” www.plough.com/en/topics/ju...
Reposted by Alan Koppschall
The ordinary saints, the ones we know,
Our too-familiar family and friends,
When shall we see them? Who can truly show
Whilst still rough-hewn, the God who shapes our ends?
Who will unveil the presence, glimpse the gold...
#Poetry #Saints #Heroes #MalcolmGuite
www.plough.com/en/topics/cu...
Our too-familiar family and friends,
When shall we see them? Who can truly show
Whilst still rough-hewn, the God who shapes our ends?
Who will unveil the presence, glimpse the gold...
#Poetry #Saints #Heroes #MalcolmGuite
www.plough.com/en/topics/cu...
April 23, 2025 at 12:51 PM
The ordinary saints, the ones we know,
Our too-familiar family and friends,
When shall we see them? Who can truly show
Whilst still rough-hewn, the God who shapes our ends?
Who will unveil the presence, glimpse the gold...
#Poetry #Saints #Heroes #MalcolmGuite
www.plough.com/en/topics/cu...
Our too-familiar family and friends,
When shall we see them? Who can truly show
Whilst still rough-hewn, the God who shapes our ends?
Who will unveil the presence, glimpse the gold...
#Poetry #Saints #Heroes #MalcolmGuite
www.plough.com/en/topics/cu...
Reposted by Alan Koppschall
While I wrote this essay for Comment, my friends at @plough.bsky.social may appreciate my mention of the Bruderhof and their example of another life, one that is not organized around private property, like so many of ours.
“A life with too little discretion may be burdensome, but having a great deal of discretion is no guarantee that one has the freedom of leisure.”
On Privacy and Exclusion
Owning our own land and stuff feels like autonomy, but there might be a deeper freedom in detachment from those things.
comment.org
April 10, 2025 at 11:32 PM
While I wrote this essay for Comment, my friends at @plough.bsky.social may appreciate my mention of the Bruderhof and their example of another life, one that is not organized around private property, like so many of ours.
Reposted by Alan Koppschall
The Prayer of Saint Francis:
"Sometimes we cannot pray, because we are fallen into a melancholy, and therefore have for the time lost our hope and our faith, and have no one to pray to." #AlanPaton
www.plough.com/en/topics/fa...
"Sometimes we cannot pray, because we are fallen into a melancholy, and therefore have for the time lost our hope and our faith, and have no one to pray to." #AlanPaton
www.plough.com/en/topics/fa...
Make Me an Instrument
In an excerpt from Instrument of Thy Peace, Alan Paton writes about the Prayer of Saint Francis, and what it means to be God’s disciple in the world.
www.plough.com
April 3, 2025 at 8:38 PM
The Prayer of Saint Francis:
"Sometimes we cannot pray, because we are fallen into a melancholy, and therefore have for the time lost our hope and our faith, and have no one to pray to." #AlanPaton
www.plough.com/en/topics/fa...
"Sometimes we cannot pray, because we are fallen into a melancholy, and therefore have for the time lost our hope and our faith, and have no one to pray to." #AlanPaton
www.plough.com/en/topics/fa...
Reposted by Alan Koppschall
It's Flannery O'Connor's 100th birthday! @plough.bsky.social reviews The Great Course's new Audible Original by Jessica Hooten Wilson on the writer, calling it "an excellent introduction to the themes of O’Connor’s work." www.plough.com/en/topics/cu...
Flannery O’Connor: An Ugly Route to Goodness
A century after her birth, Flannery O’Connor’s writing still provokes.
www.plough.com
March 26, 2025 at 12:35 AM
It's Flannery O'Connor's 100th birthday! @plough.bsky.social reviews The Great Course's new Audible Original by Jessica Hooten Wilson on the writer, calling it "an excellent introduction to the themes of O’Connor’s work." www.plough.com/en/topics/cu...
Reposted by Alan Koppschall
Deeply grateful again to Plough Quarterly for publishing my brief essay on the cruciform joys and burdens of working for the Lord in the Church, on the joys and burdens really of all Christian ministry.
www.plough.com/en/topics/li...
www.plough.com/en/topics/li...
Why Pastors Like Me Burn Out
A priest tries to discern the path between self-sacrifice and burnout in his ministry.
www.plough.com
March 28, 2025 at 3:23 PM
Deeply grateful again to Plough Quarterly for publishing my brief essay on the cruciform joys and burdens of working for the Lord in the Church, on the joys and burdens really of all Christian ministry.
www.plough.com/en/topics/li...
www.plough.com/en/topics/li...