One of my aunts was kind enough to give me his book, “Ask Me Anything: Provocative Answers for College Students.” Sadly, the “provocative” part of the title is a perfect description, not because Dr. T’s views are new, and therefore sensational, but because they are old, and therefore revolutionary. In times of perpetual progress, the only truly provocative information is that which does not progress: ancient wisdom. (Thus, I say "sadly," not because I am disappointed with the book, but because I am disappointed with our times.) Peter Kreeft describes Dr. T thus: “Mix two parts St. Augustine, G. K. Chesterton, and C. S. Lewis with one part Dr. Phil, Dr. Laura, and Judge Judy and you’ve got J. Budziszewski: clear, honest, commonsensical, and totally free of pretense.” Though I don’t keep up with the last three characters, I think Kreeft is probably right on.

“Ask Me Anything” is a book containing letters and conversations, all based on real events, that explore the most pressing questions of college students today. The topics range from dating, sexuality, and homophobia, to church, philosophy, and war. In my opinion, the mission of the book comes in the words of one of the dialogs. During a discussion about the weaknesses of postmodernism, after the student discovers its true nature (rubbish), she is still unsatisfied:

“Knowing that it’s nonsense isn’t enough. I’ve got to know what kind of nonsense it is, why they believe it, and how to answer it.” (p. 103)

The book seems to assume that it is important to know not just what is right and wrong, but why right is right and wrong is wrong, and how to respond to wrong beliefs. Preoccupying ourselves with the “what” and ignoring the “why” is, in my opinion, a recipe for apostasy.

I’ve been trying for several days to arrive at a concise statement that explains why I find his style so appealing. I have not been very successful. So, instead of profundity, I'll give you some initial perceptions: