by John Ellis Over the last few months, one of the questions/problems I’ve been thinking and working through is in reference to the Fall’s effect on language. At first blush, I think most Christians would agree that language didn’t escape unscathed from sin’s curse. But that acknowledgment is likely thin; largely, I believe, because we … Continue reading The Fall’s (Sin and Sin’s Curse) Effect on Language and Relationships
Category: Philosophy
Eschatological Despair, Part 4: The Death of My Son’s Teacher
by John Ellis Lord willing, this will be the final article in this rambling series. At least for now. I think. And I think so because my thoughts on despair have begun to collate and shift in the specific conceptual directions of political theology and ecclesiology (separately yet connected). I also chose the descriptor “rambling” … Continue reading Eschatological Despair, Part 4: The Death of My Son’s Teacher
Eschatological Despair, Part 3: The Hyperreality of the Here and Now
by John Ellis To help explain the concept of hyperreality, Jean Baudrillard liked to draw his readers and listeners attention to Epcot Center. Commenting on the theme park’s World Showcase pavilions, the famed sociologist would ironically muse on how much “better” Disney’s version of Europe is than the real thing. Better food and less travel … Continue reading Eschatological Despair, Part 3: The Hyperreality of the Here and Now
Should Christians Reject the Word/Concept of Worldview?: Part 2
by John Ellis A little after 2am this morning, I woke up. That’s not unusual; as I approach 50, the platitude “sleep like a baby” makes more and more sense. It makes more and more sense by way of contrast, to be clear. What was semi-unusual about this morning is that I couldn’t get back … Continue reading Should Christians Reject the Word/Concept of Worldview?: Part 2
Should Christians Reject the Word/Concept of ‘Worldview?’ Yes. Maybe. Yes?
by John Ellis I have grown to dislike and, finally, I think, reject the word/concept of worldview. Paradoxically, it is too tribalistic and not tribalistic enough. I’m going to work backwards and begin with “not tribalistic enough.” Or at least, I’m going to try. As you’ll soon see, I believe, the two sides of the … Continue reading Should Christians Reject the Word/Concept of ‘Worldview?’ Yes. Maybe. Yes?
Eschatological Despair, Part 2
(Read part 1 by clicking here.) by John Ellis For the longest time, Derrida famously refused to allow a photo of himself to be included on his books’ dust jackets. Besides his desire to undercut the fetishization of the author, he also rejected author photos on the basis of what philosopher John McDowell has called … Continue reading Eschatological Despair, Part 2
Walter Mitty and the Silencing of Eschatological Despair
by John Ellis Movement fueled my childhood imagination. Gazing out the window of the family van on the way to school, the stops halted my imaginary exploits. The sandy grass, weeds, and fences whizzing by the window while the vehicle was in motion are what served as my muse. As grass gave way to asphalt … Continue reading Walter Mitty and the Silencing of Eschatological Despair
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
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)
Practically Known Theology 