(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
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
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
An All-Star Basketball Team Made Up of World Leaders
by John Ellis For some reason, and something I’ve never understood, most people are surprised to discover how much I love sports. And I, like, really love sports, especially basketball. If the contemporary maxims of self-actualization that can be distilled into “whatever you dream, you can accomplish” had any basis in reality there would be … Continue reading An All-Star Basketball Team Made Up of World Leaders
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)
Relational Theatre: ‘Boxing God’
by John Ellis Opening the card from Mrs. Doris Harris, my Intro to Dramatic Interpretation professor, I had no idea how consequential a role her words were going to play in my life. “Misguided people have convinced you that you do not possess talent as a performer and storyteller. They are wrong. You are wrong. … Continue reading Relational Theatre: ‘Boxing God’
Do You Read Primary Sources? If Not, You Should
by John Ellis I’m enjoying working through Stuart Hackett’s The Resurrection of Theism: Prolegomena to Christian Apologetics. A dense book, in which Dr. Hackett interacts and contends with some of the world’s greatest thinkers throughout the ages as he makes his argument, it does not make for breezy reading. The Resurrection of Theism most likely … Continue reading Do You Read Primary Sources? If Not, You Should
Political Theology (Part 1): What’s In a Question?
by John Ellis Preface: Dear reader, thank you for clicking on this article. I’m assuming that there is a good chance that this is not the first article of mine that you have read. You may even know me personally. However, if this article is your introduction to me and my writing, no worries, this … Continue reading Political Theology (Part 1): What’s In a Question?
Practically Known Theology 