Conspiracy Theories Are Part of the DNA of Evangelicalism

by John Ellis I’ve stopped being surprised when new acquaintances[1] steel their gaze, purse their lips, and then begin their forthcoming monologue with, “Did you know ….?” Those monologues have “taught” me all kinds of things about Dr. Fauci, the Clintons, sex trafficking of children, the global elite and their place in the “swamp,” CRT, … Continue reading Conspiracy Theories Are Part of the DNA of Evangelicalism

Which Side of the Political Aisle Should Christians Feel at Home With?

USA - 2012: Hector Casanova illustration of the Democrat donkey and Republican elephant on a seesaw with the plank breaking in the middle. (The Kansas City Star/MCT via Getty Images via Getty Images) by John Ellis By all accounts, society is fracturing. The talking heads and our eyeballs tell us that society has split apart, … Continue reading Which Side of the Political Aisle Should Christians Feel at Home With?

How Long Shall the Wicked Prosper?: A Competing Narrative of the United States of America

Digital image of original artifact. by John Ellis Yesterday morning before Sunday school class began, the young man teaching asked about my t-shirt. “What kind of flag is that on your shirt?” “It’s the A.I.M. logo,” I replied through my mask. His expression revealed that “A.I.M.” wasn’t translating through the double-ply cotton. “The logo for … Continue reading How Long Shall the Wicked Prosper?: A Competing Narrative of the United States of America

Postcolonialism and Christian Ethics

by John Ellis Of late, I’ve been studying the postcolonial (decolonization) theories of Frantz Fanon. Violent. Bloody. Absolute. In Fanon’s words, "Decolonization, which sets out to change the order of the world, is clearly an agenda for total disorder.”[1] What is a Christian to do with postcolonialism? Please bear with me for a paragraph or … Continue reading Postcolonialism and Christian Ethics

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

Critical Race Theory and the Law’s Inability to Change Hearts

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