by John Ellis (Edit on 8/19/25: I'm currently rereading Economic and Philosophic Manuscripts by Marx and realized that I made a small error. Marx didn't believe that communism was necessarily the final stage for humans. He believed that it was impossible to know when/what the final stage, if there ever is one, will be. So, … Continue reading What Christian Nationalists Have in Common with Lenin
The Syncretism of American Mythologies and White Evangelicalism
by John Ellis Several years ago, while living in Arlington, VA, a church member approached me with a concern about my use of the title king for Jesus. It wasn’t so much the title as my near constant use of it. Whenever I prayed publicly, preached, taught Sunday school, etc., I made it a point … Continue reading The Syncretism of American Mythologies and White Evangelicalism
Bob Jones University: The End Is Nigh
by John Ellis This morning, Bob Jones University, my almost alma mater, introduced Dr. Bruce McAllister as the school’s seventh president. The announcement was wrapped in a mood of relieved optimism. Watching it live, the whole thing seemed to me like a giant sigh of relief from those who love a version of Bob Jones … Continue reading Bob Jones University: The End Is Nigh
Donald Trump’s Trade War Looks to be Ending Worse than a Status Quo Ante Bellum
by John Ellis The stock market had a good day today, thanks to Trump’s standing down in the trade war he started. On the flip side, common sense and the needed return to normal political theatre and away from Trump’s (unintentional) political theatre of the absurd have not had a good day. Seriously, if you … Continue reading Donald Trump’s Trade War Looks to be Ending Worse than a Status Quo Ante Bellum
Deadly Worship Services: How Corporate Worship Serves the Curse
by John Ellis As a teaser, I ended my previous article with this quote from Antonin Artaud: “And if there is still one hellish, truly accursed thing in our time, it is our artistic dallying with forms, instead of being like victims burnt at the stake, signaling through the flames.”[1] Artaud’s highly imagistic words underline … Continue reading Deadly Worship Services: How Corporate Worship Serves the Curse
The Church: An Agent of Disruption
by John Ellis “For me, to live is Christ, to die is gain.” Philippians 1:21 One of the most important works of theatre theory published over the last century (or, really, ever) is The Theater and Its Double by the almost inexplorable and wonderfully mystical Antonin Artaud. In the book’s preface, titled “The Theatre and … Continue reading The Church: An Agent of Disruption
Consumerism Sits at the Center of White Evangelicalism
by John Ellis Readers of this blog are (should be) aware of my thoughts on white evangelicalism. The deeper I dive into the history of the movement, the more convinced I’ve become that white evangelicalism is a false religion. This past summer, historian Matthew Sutton published an article in Oxford Academic: Journal of the American … Continue reading Consumerism Sits at the Center of White Evangelicalism
The Ideological Sluttiness of MAGA
by John Ellis It was only a week ago or so that I thought that someone should check in on Rand Paul and make sure he’s okay. I mean, while I’m no fan of libertarianism[1], Rand Paul is still made in God’s image, and I don’t want him to suffer. And I was guessing that … Continue reading The Ideological Sluttiness of MAGA
Donald Trump v. the Courts: The End of an Independent Judiciary?
by John Ellis Since taking the oath of office on January 20, President Trump has set about remaking the federal government. Mass layoffs, the shuttering of federal departments, rolling back regulations, and sweeping deportations are all part of the Trump administration’s whirlwind of activities. Lawsuits by various affected parties have quickly followed. The number of … Continue reading Donald Trump v. the Courts: The End of an Independent Judiciary?
It May be Time to Begin Planning a Farewell Party for Free Speech in America
by John Ellis Many historians consider A. Mitchell Palmer the worst Cabinet member in US history.[1] Serving as Woodrow Wilson’s Attorney General during the final two years of his presidency, Palmer’s name is forever glued to the infamous Palmer Raids that saw over 6,000 people imprisoned and tortured, with many threatened with deportation, for daring … Continue reading It May be Time to Begin Planning a Farewell Party for Free Speech in America
Practically Known Theology 