Theodor Herzl, father of political Zionism “No one can deny the gravity of the Jews’ situation. Wherever they live in perceptible numbers, they are more or less persecuted. Their equality before the law, granted by statute, has become practically a dead letter. They are debarred from filling even moderately high positions, either in the army, … Continue reading Palestine and Israel, Chapter 1: A Brief History of Zionism
It’s Time for Christians to Actually Meet Critical Race Theory
by John Ellis Critical Race Theory (CRT) is currently one of the hottest of the hot button issues boiling within evangelicalism. I first became acquainted with it in 2017 when a man in our church began warning the elders (and anyone else who would listen) about its presence in some of the seminaries and para-church … Continue reading It’s Time for Christians to Actually Meet Critical Race Theory
Palestine and Israel, Introduction: Justice Is Rarely a Two-Way Street
by John Ellis On April 29, 1956, Ro’i Rotberg, regional commander of the security forces for the kibbutz Nahal Oz, was killed in a planned ambush. On horseback, Rotberg attempted to chase off a group of Palestinians from Gaza who were reaping wheat from the kibbutz’s field. He was shot by hidden assailants and then … Continue reading Palestine and Israel, Introduction: Justice Is Rarely a Two-Way Street
A Godless Fundamentalist Revisited 10 Years Later
by John Ellis It’s been 10 years since I began writing the first version of ‘A Godless Fundamentalist.’ It’s been 5 years since Crossway considered publishing it. At the time, during the 5 years I spent writing, editing, rewriting, and editing some more, my objective acted as a framing mechanism calling me to downplay the … Continue reading A Godless Fundamentalist Revisited 10 Years Later
Are You Allying with America’s Cows of Bashan?
“They trample on the heads of the poor as on the dust of the ground and deny justice to the oppressed.” Amos 2:7 by John Ellis The elegance and dignity with which she entered my car stood in stark contrast to our surroundings. The difference was so pronounced, I found it jarring, unexpected.[1] The way … Continue reading Are You Allying with America’s Cows of Bashan?
With “Another Wasted Life” Rhiannon Giddens Helps Followers of King Jesus See Injustice (How We Respond Is Up to Us)
by John Ellis As a general rule, my wife and I do not share the same musical taste. Over the years, though, we have discovered bands and musicians that we both enjoy. The brilliant singer, musician, and songwriter Rhiannon Giddens sits near the very top of the list of musicians that my wife and I … Continue reading With “Another Wasted Life” Rhiannon Giddens Helps Followers of King Jesus See Injustice (How We Respond Is Up to Us)
More on Tim Ballard, Operation Underground Railroad, and ‘Sound of Freedom’
by John Ellis Sex trafficking is a serious issue. An issue that followers of Jesus should mourn while seeking justice for the victims. Unfortunately, it's an issue that is wildly misunderstood and that has been co-opted by self-serving, glory-seeking individuals and organizations. This past summer, the surprise hit movie Sound of Freedom propelled one such … Continue reading More on Tim Ballard, Operation Underground Railroad, and ‘Sound of Freedom’
A Post-Evangelical Journey of Faith, Doubt, and Shalom
by John Ellis Almost exactly four years ago, I shuttered my previous blog A Day in His Court. Over the upcoming weeks and months, I’m planning on writing more about what led me to transition away from my previous blog and start Practically Known Theology. For now, I simply want to note that by the … Continue reading A Post-Evangelical Journey of Faith, Doubt, and Shalom
Divided by Faith: Evangelical Religion and the Problem of Race in America
by John Ellis Michael Emerson and Christian Smith’s book Divided by Faith: Evangelical Religion and the Problem of Race in America is one of the seminal books in the conversation about race and evangelicalism in this country. Published in 2000, some would argue that the two sociologists’ book is the genesis for the current iteration … Continue reading Divided by Faith: Evangelical Religion and the Problem of Race in America
Claiming that Africa Shares Responsibility for the Transatlantic Slave Trade Is Historically Deceptive (Not to Mention Racist)
by John Ellis I met Patrick Buchanan in 1996. He was in Greenville, SC, wooing voters for his bid to become the Republican nominee for the presidential election later that year.[1] A friend and fellow student at Bob Jones University had scored an invitation to a private reception for the paleoconservative stalwart. I tagged along. … Continue reading Claiming that Africa Shares Responsibility for the Transatlantic Slave Trade Is Historically Deceptive (Not to Mention Racist)
Practically Known Theology 