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
The Profaning of “O Holy Night”
by John Ellis “O Holy Night” is not only one of my favorite Christmas carols, it is also one of my favorite songs across all genres. In my first play after college, a production of The Homecoming by Earl Hamner, Jr., I played the lead Clay-Boy, better known as John-Boy from the TV series The … Continue reading The Profaning of “O Holy Night”
Why I Appreciate Postmodernism
by John Ellis Good luck defining postmodernism. Justice Potter's most famous words are apropos when defining it. For me, I know this: I appreciate postmodernism because it stands alone in Western thought, including within Christendom, in its acknowledgement that the Tower of Babel leads to nowhere.
‘For Our Daughters’: Exposing Abuse Within Complementarianism
by John Ellis I was well into adulthood before I first began hearing the stories of abuse suffered by females I grew up with. Many of their abusers were men in positions of authority. Their stories are not mine to tell, though. As an elder in a 9 Marks church, I had firsthand knowledge of … Continue reading ‘For Our Daughters’: Exposing Abuse Within Complementarianism
Trump’s Proposed Tariffs Will Likely Sink the Economy
by John Ellis Among Donald Trump’s favorite policy goals is a tariff hike. The former president proposes a 10% tariff on all imported goods and a 60% and higher tariff on Chinese goods. Among his many misunderstandings of how tariffs work, Donald Trump likes to brag that foreign countries will pay the United States for … Continue reading Trump’s Proposed Tariffs Will Likely Sink the Economy
Constantine’s Christendom and Transhumanism Are on a Collision Course. I Don’t Think the Church Is Ready.
by John Ellis Prompted by a conversation about transhumanism with a friend yesterday, I revisited some of the books in my library by the likes of Nick Bostrom and William MacAskill. As I was rereading this morning, it hit me that the transhumanist/longtermist[1] agenda eerily parallels an anthropocentric reading of the Biblical creation story. In … Continue reading Constantine’s Christendom and Transhumanism Are on a Collision Course. I Don’t Think the Church Is Ready.
TV Sitcom Dad Versus Complementarian Dad: Is There Even a Difference?
by John Ellis In her latest comedy special,[1] Nikki Glaser reveals to the audience that she doesn’t want to have kids, confessing that being a mom is too much work. She then reluctantly admits that she could be a bad mom because being a bad mom doesn’t require a lot of work, quickly adding, “like … Continue reading TV Sitcom Dad Versus Complementarian Dad: Is There Even a Difference?
Is Truth Relative? Well, It Depends on Your Definition of Truth
by John Ellis A resurfaced video of a TED talk given by current NPR CEO Katherine Maher has gotten conservatives – whatever that means now – all up in their feels. Titled “What Wikipedia Teaches Us About Balancing Truth and Belief,” Maher’s talk has earned condemnation and scorn. Elon Musk tweeted the dire caution that … Continue reading Is Truth Relative? Well, It Depends on Your Definition of Truth
Regarding My Palestine and Israel Series
by John Ellis I want to provide a quick heads up for those who have been reading the series: I am taking a brief pause. There are two main reasons for that: 1. I need a break and, 2. more importantly, the growing tension and violence on university campuses may necessitate a different type of … Continue reading Regarding My Palestine and Israel Series
Palestine and Israel, Chapter 4 (part 3): The Trauma of the British Mandate
by John Ellis In 1929, American journalist Vincent Sheean pitched the pro-Zionist paper The New Palestine a series of articles detailing life within the Zionist communities of Palestine. He proposed immersing himself in Zionist communities and culture and then writing about his experience. The paper gladly accepted the respected journalist’s offer. In his book Personal … Continue reading Palestine and Israel, Chapter 4 (part 3): The Trauma of the British Mandate
Practically Known Theology 