by John Ellis Prompted by a conversation about transhumanism with a friend yesterday, I revisited some of the books in my library by the likes of Nick Bostrom and William MacAskill. As I was rereading this morning, it hit me that the transhumanist/longtermist[1] agenda eerily parallels an anthropocentric reading of the Biblical creation story. In … Continue reading Constantine’s Christendom and Transhumanism Are on a Collision Course. I Don’t Think the Church Is Ready.
Category: Current Events
Is Truth Relative? Well, It Depends on Your Definition of Truth
by John Ellis A resurfaced video of a TED talk given by current NPR CEO Katherine Maher has gotten conservatives – whatever that means now – all up in their feels. Titled “What Wikipedia Teaches Us About Balancing Truth and Belief,” Maher’s talk has earned condemnation and scorn. Elon Musk tweeted the dire caution that … Continue reading Is Truth Relative? Well, It Depends on Your Definition of Truth
Regarding My Palestine and Israel Series
by John Ellis I want to provide a quick heads up for those who have been reading the series: I am taking a brief pause. There are two main reasons for that: 1. I need a break and, 2. more importantly, the growing tension and violence on university campuses may necessitate a different type of … Continue reading Regarding My Palestine and Israel Series
Palestine and Israel, Chapter 4 (part 3): The Trauma of the British Mandate
by John Ellis In 1929, American journalist Vincent Sheean pitched the pro-Zionist paper The New Palestine a series of articles detailing life within the Zionist communities of Palestine. He proposed immersing himself in Zionist communities and culture and then writing about his experience. The paper gladly accepted the respected journalist’s offer. In his book Personal … Continue reading Palestine and Israel, Chapter 4 (part 3): The Trauma of the British Mandate
Palestine and Israel, Chapter 4 (part 2): The Trauma of the British Mandate
The Mufti of Jerusalem by John Ellis Even though its publication was suppressed through the efforts of Zionist supporters in the British government, the Palin Commission still produced drastic changes. Prime Minister Lloyd George recalled the military administration in Palestine, installed a civilian administration instead, and appointed Herbert Samuel as the High Commissioner. “Samuel, a … Continue reading Palestine and Israel, Chapter 4 (part 2): The Trauma of the British Mandate
Palestine and Israel, Chapter 4 (part 1): The Trauma of the British Mandate
by John Ellis With her imperialistic hubris bolstering her confidence in her eventual success, England embraced her role as protectorate over Palestine. As it would turn out, England was in way over her head, culminating in England dumping the problem of Palestine in the United Nation’s lap in 1947, a little over a quarter of … Continue reading Palestine and Israel, Chapter 4 (part 1): The Trauma of the British Mandate
CRT Does Not (Most Likely) Define Racism the Same Way You Do
by John Ellis It should go without saying that defining terms is essential when engaged in argument/discussion. Sadly, though, it apparently needs to be said, both frequently and loudly. Too many are far too quick to bludgeon those with whom they disagree with definitions of terms that those being bludgeoned don’t agree with nor recognize. … Continue reading CRT Does Not (Most Likely) Define Racism the Same Way You Do
Our Gods Are Alive, and We Should Kill Them
by John Ellis In Rogues, his last book published during his lifetime, Derrida prophesied that his matrix of deconstruction requires of humanity “a certain unconditional renunciation of sovereignty.” It’s an opaque statement delivered by an intentionally opaque man. Demonized by many, atheist and Christian alike, Derrida remains a modern-day Gideon of sorts. The opaqueness of … Continue reading Our Gods Are Alive, and We Should Kill Them
Palestine and Israel, Chapter 3 (part 1): The Paris Peace Conference’s Codified Racism
French Premier Georges Clemenceau, American President Woodrow Wilson, and British Prime Minister Lloyd George. by John Ellis The signing of the Armistice on November 11, 1918, may have officially ended the military battles of World War I, but the fighting was far from over. The carnage, suffering, and demolished infrastructures left in the war’s wake … Continue reading Palestine and Israel, Chapter 3 (part 1): The Paris Peace Conference’s Codified Racism
Palestine and Israel, Chapter 2 (part 2): The Balfour Declaration’s Foundation of Deceit
“His Majesty’s Government view with favour the establishment in Palestine of a national home for the Jewish People, and will use their best endeavours to facilitate the achievement of this object, it being clearly understood that nothing shall be done which may prejudice the civil and religious rights of existing non-Jewish communities in Palestine, or … Continue reading Palestine and Israel, Chapter 2 (part 2): The Balfour Declaration’s Foundation of Deceit
Practically Known Theology 