by John Ellis Why the Law? In his letter “to the churches of Galatia” (Gal, 1:2), the Apostle Paul offers pastoral-and divinely inspired-counsel to “recovering Pharisees.”[1] Theologian and pastor Philip Ryken goes on to explain, “Most former Pharisees have a problem, however. It’s hard for them to leave their legalism behind. … This means that … Continue reading Critical Race Theory and the Law’s Inability to Change Hearts
Author: practicallyknowntheology
An Argument Against Group Discussions in Adult Sunday School Classes
by John Ellis Whenever “who has a question?” was floated by the teacher to the Sunday school class, I never needed to turn around in my front seat to know whose hand had shot up. And I also knew that most of them didn’t really have a question, but an opinion they believed the entire … Continue reading An Argument Against Group Discussions in Adult Sunday School Classes
An All-Star Basketball Team Made Up of World Leaders
by John Ellis For some reason, and something I’ve never understood, most people are surprised to discover how much I love sports. And I, like, really love sports, especially basketball. If the contemporary maxims of self-actualization that can be distilled into “whatever you dream, you can accomplish” had any basis in reality there would be … Continue reading An All-Star Basketball Team Made Up of World Leaders
Art for Art’s Sake is Idolatry
by John Ellis Borrowing and, as his objective suited, warping Aristotle’s aesthetic disinterestedness, Lord Shaftesbury (Anthony Ashley Cooper) helped create the notion of art for art’s sake. The aesthetic ideals of John Locke’s famed pupil prioritized the enjoyment of beauty for beauty’s sake apart from utility. A true response to art does not broach the … Continue reading Art for Art’s Sake is Idolatry
Apparently, I Am a Mother and a Wife (Except I’m Not)
by John Ellis In a recent article, Scott Sauls asks men and women to consider their gendered selves and to strive to connect as men and women for God's glory and the good of the Kingdom. Amen, and ... amen? As a way into into his argument, Sauls leans on the bestseller Men Are from … Continue reading Apparently, I Am a Mother and a Wife (Except I’m Not)
Relational Theatre: ‘Boxing God’
by John Ellis Opening the card from Mrs. Doris Harris, my Intro to Dramatic Interpretation professor, I had no idea how consequential a role her words were going to play in my life. “Misguided people have convinced you that you do not possess talent as a performer and storyteller. They are wrong. You are wrong. … Continue reading Relational Theatre: ‘Boxing God’
Do You Read Primary Sources? If Not, You Should
by John Ellis I’m enjoying working through Stuart Hackett’s The Resurrection of Theism: Prolegomena to Christian Apologetics. A dense book, in which Dr. Hackett interacts and contends with some of the world’s greatest thinkers throughout the ages as he makes his argument, it does not make for breezy reading. The Resurrection of Theism most likely … Continue reading Do You Read Primary Sources? If Not, You Should
Political Theology (Part 1): What’s In a Question?
by John Ellis Preface: Dear reader, thank you for clicking on this article. I’m assuming that there is a good chance that this is not the first article of mine that you have read. You may even know me personally. However, if this article is your introduction to me and my writing, no worries, this … Continue reading Political Theology (Part 1): What’s In a Question?
Demanding Obeisance to White Culture Is Racism: Code Switching, AAVE, and Double Consciousness
by John Ellis Growing up in the Deep South, I was surrounded by racism, including in my own heart, words, and actions. I was taught that Black people were “those people,” different and damaging to the fabric of our way of life if allowed free rein to be Black. It wasn’t stated in those words, … Continue reading Demanding Obeisance to White Culture Is Racism: Code Switching, AAVE, and Double Consciousness
In Celebration of My Son Who Turns 10 Today
by John Ellis Upon finding out that my wife was expecting our second child, I began praying for another daughter. With a highly intelligent little girl filled with curiosity and creativity lording over our household, I couldn’t imagine how a boy could best the advantages of having another girl. To be sure, my daughter had … Continue reading In Celebration of My Son Who Turns 10 Today
Practically Known Theology 