by John Ellis Did you know that being either right brained or left brained isn’t a thing? I mean, it’s a thing; it’s just not a real thing – it’s not a true thing. It’s a myth. A neuromyth, to be specific. Don’t tell people that, though. If you do, be aware that you open … Continue reading For the Love of Myths, Fast-Food Chains, and Fungible Truth: How Expressive Individualism Determines “Truth”
Category: Theology
Autonomy (Including Autonomous Reason) Is a Lie of Serpent-Satan
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
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 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?
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?
Theories of Aesthetic Distance and the (probable) Need to Reform Corporate Worship
by John Ellis Our church does a good job of providing a well-rounded Sunday school “curriculum” for adults. Class topics not only serve to glorify God and edify the students (and presumably the teacher), but the classes are also thought-provoking and practical. Starting this past Sunday, my wife and I began attending a class on … Continue reading Theories of Aesthetic Distance and the (probable) Need to Reform Corporate Worship
‘Let’s go Brandon!’ Further Validates My Rejection of White Evangelicalism
by John Ellis On the way home after dropping the kids off at school, my eyes were drawn to a large bumper sticker on the car in front of me. Shouting “Let’s Go Brandon!” the sticker existed in conflict with the “In God We Trust” stamped on the vehicle’s license plate. Almost immediately, a pithy … Continue reading ‘Let’s go Brandon!’ Further Validates My Rejection of White Evangelicalism
Practically Known Theology 