Critical Race Theory and Christianity Are Not at Odds

by John Ellis As I’ve continued to study Critical Race Theory (CRT), my appreciation and respect for the complex system of theories has deepened. As a Christian who believes in the Fall and the subsequent Curse, I understand that relationships between humans are now a gross perversion of God’s original design. Sin is malignant, and … Continue reading Critical Race Theory and Christianity Are Not at Odds

Ron DeSantis: Christian Nationalism’s Desired Prince for Their Faux New Jerusalem?

by John Ellis Are you familiar with The Turner Diaries by William Luther Pierce? For those old enough to remember the Oklahoma City bombing, muted memory bells may be sounding in your head. The book was published in 1978 and quickly became the bible for the growing white nationalist movement, including serving as inspiration (and … Continue reading Ron DeSantis: Christian Nationalism’s Desired Prince for Their Faux New Jerusalem?

I Haven’t Changed and Donald Trump Hasn’t Changed; Maybe You’ve Changed

by John Ellis Donald Trump was found liable of sexual abuse and defamation today. That's a stunning statement that has never been uttered before about a former President of the United States of America. A statement that should slam shut the door on his 2024 presidential bid, but it won't. As stunning and revolting as … Continue reading I Haven’t Changed and Donald Trump Hasn’t Changed; Maybe You’ve Changed

‘A Just Mission’: Biblically Critiquing the American Missionary Movement

by John Ellis “The journey toward true mutuality is hard work for all of us, but it may be especially difficult for a white person who holds a missiology shaped by the doctrine of discovery.”[1] Mekdes Haddis While reading A Just Mission: Laying Down Power and Embracing Mutuality by Mekdes Haddis, I had to stop … Continue reading ‘A Just Mission’: Biblically Critiquing the American Missionary Movement

The Cultural War: Parental Rights or Parental Tyranny?

by John Ellis This story is bonkers but predictable. Earlier this week, reports surfaced that the principal of a Tallahassee charter school had been fired because an art teacher showed the 6th grade students a picture of Michelangelo’s David and some parents complained.[1] There are so many exit ramps out of that previous sentence, it’s … Continue reading The Cultural War: Parental Rights or Parental Tyranny?

The Quixotic Pursuit of Pluralism Leads Into a Tower of Babel

by John Ellis The contemporary embrace of book banning reminds me of the adage that if you wait long enough your clothes will come back in style. Making that connection, though, may require the surrender of the belief that pluralism is part of this country’s warp and woof. I surrendered that belief a while ago, … Continue reading The Quixotic Pursuit of Pluralism Leads Into a Tower of Babel

Women’s and Men’s Ministries in Churches are Problematic

by John Ellis History tells me to tread lightly here. But I’m going to ignore history and put on my adult-sized stomping boots. So, if you ask me what I think of women’s and men’s ministries, I’ll say, “I don’t like them and believe they do not belong in the church.” Often – not always … Continue reading Women’s and Men’s Ministries in Churches are Problematic

The Ten Most Read Articles of 2022

by John Ellis At the end of every year on my old blog, I would list the ten most read articles for that year. At the time, besides my blog, I had an actual writing gig, for which I was paid. Self-promotion goes hand-in-hand with seeking out writing gigs, and I was constantly looking for … Continue reading The Ten Most Read Articles of 2022

The War on Christmas

by John Ellis The outrage over the supposed War on Christmas has long been supported by the twin pillars of misplaced priorities and ridiculous conspiracy theories. White evangelicals in this country have long – since their beginning – embraced a martyr complex combined with a love for conspiracy theories. The handwringing over the War on … Continue reading The War on Christmas

Discipling the Christian Nationalists in Our Churches

Donald Trump as the Promised Seed of Genesis 3:15 by John Ellis Yesterday, I saw a clip of pseudo-historian David Barton claiming that the US Constitution is based on God’s words. His point was that only true Christians can govern in ways that allow for the Christian nature of the Constitution to fulfill its purpose. … Continue reading Discipling the Christian Nationalists in Our Churches