by John Ellis “For in him we live and move and have our being.” Acts 17:28 While reading Principia Ethica by G.E. Moore, I was struck by the simplicity of his complexity (if that makes sense), especially regarding his ability to helpfully narrow down the initial necessary question of moral philosophy. He explains that people, … Continue reading Autonomy (Including Autonomous Reason) Is a Lie of Serpent-Satan
Author: practicallyknowntheology
Reading Genesis (Chapters 1 and 2) After the Scientific Revolution
by John Ellis During his time as the Poet Laureate of the United States (2001-2003), Billy Collins created Poetry 180, a program designed to encourage high schoolers to engage poetry both meaningfully and enjoyably. In the introduction to the poetry anthology Collins compiled as a companion piece for the program, he offers a warning to … Continue reading Reading Genesis (Chapters 1 and 2) After the Scientific Revolution
The Whitney Plantation: Learning Hard, Yet Important, Truths About America
by John Ellis As much as I love New Orleans – the food, music, culture, interesting people, legally drinking a hurricane while walking around town – for me, the highlight of my family’s current spring break vacation in the Big Easy happens today. In a few short hours, my wife, kids, and I will tour … Continue reading The Whitney Plantation: Learning Hard, Yet Important, Truths About America
COVID at Two Years of Age: Charting a Path Forward for Followers of King Jesus
by John Ellis Standing on the Cady Way Trail’s walking bridge spanning Semoran Blvd, I watched the cars streaming under me and thought, “Are we ready for what’s about to happen?” It was mid-March of 2020, and COVID’s effects were already starting to ripple out. The news out of Italy was horrendous, but distant. The … Continue reading COVID at Two Years of Age: Charting a Path Forward for Followers of King Jesus
The Paradox of the Gospel
by John Ellis We strive to be either icons or iconoclasts; we long to build up or to burn down. The gospel of Jesus Christ is the only thing that does both. That paradox, though, stokes rebellion in our heart. To be loved by the Most High God is an incalculable weight; a burden that … Continue reading The Paradox of the Gospel
Knowing Requires Listening, But to Whom?
by John Ellis Two of my favorite Facebook follows/friends are Esther Lightcap Meek and Bill Mallonee. Dr. Meek is philosopher who’s thoughtful (thought-provoking) work lives within the boundaries of art. Mallonee is an artist who’s thoughtful (thought-provoking) music lives within the boundaries of philosophy. And both speak into what it means to fruitfully engage the … Continue reading Knowing Requires Listening, But to Whom?
There Is No Such Thing as a Backup Parent
by John Ellis I recently watched The Descendants starring George Clooney. While the movie is merely okay, one of its main premises is an honest portrayal of much of parenting in society. Tragically, it’s probably even more accurate when the lens narrows onto the evangelical culture. The movie’s inciting incident is a boat accident that … Continue reading There Is No Such Thing as a Backup Parent
The Scottish Clearances Speak Into the Reparations Debate
by John Ellis I’ve been reading about the Scottish Clearances, a devasting time during the late 18th and early 19th centuries when the Highland chieftains, bowing to the immense pressure of the steamrolling commercialization of the British Isles, forcibly removed tenants from their lands. While not the legal owners of the land, these tenants were … Continue reading The Scottish Clearances Speak Into the Reparations Debate
Christian Ethics: Universal Health Care
by John Ellis Even during a pandemic when medical resources are often stretched thin and medical care providers are stressed and overworked, some of us have access to medical innovation and care that seems nearly miraculous when compared with the medical options and standard of care afforded our ancestors. Our society’s ability to preserve and … Continue reading Christian Ethics: Universal Health Care
Lifeway Research Claims a New Report Is encouraging for Christians. Is It, Though?
by John Ellis Lifeway Research recently published an article commenting on the “Status of Global Christianity, 2022, in the Context of 1900-2050” published by the Center for the Study of Global Christianity out of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. The title of Lifeway Research’s article joyfully trumpets, “7 Encouraging Trends of Global Christianity.” To that optimistic enthusiasm, … Continue reading Lifeway Research Claims a New Report Is encouraging for Christians. Is It, Though?
Practically Known Theology 