by John Ellis Over the last few months, one of the questions/problems I’ve been thinking and working through is in reference to the Fall’s effect on language. At first blush, I think most Christians would agree that language didn’t escape unscathed from sin’s curse. But that acknowledgment is likely thin; largely, I believe, because we … Continue reading The Fall’s (Sin and Sin’s Curse) Effect on Language and Relationships
Tag: Bible
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
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)
On Election Day, Which City’s Gates Will You be Defending?
by John Ellis I haven’t checked its veracity, so I won’t link to it, but this morning I read a tweet claiming that a professing Christian confessed to the author of the tweet that, “he would shoot me if I were trying to ‘take away his way of life’.” While I don’t know if that … Continue reading On Election Day, Which City’s Gates Will You be Defending?
Systemic Racism Is a Millstone Around Our Collective Necks
by John Ellis Many white evangelicals in America approach systemic racism with the perspective of innocent until proven guilty. For them, 21st century America cannot be condemned a priori without evidence that systemic racism is codified in the here and now. For the record, I believe that that evidence exists; many others have written eloquent … Continue reading Systemic Racism Is a Millstone Around Our Collective Necks
The Anti-Gospel of ‘The Matrix’
by John Ellis In the spring of 1999, while sitting in Greenville, SC’s now extinct Haywood Road Cinemas, I contemplated the meaning of the red pill and the blue pill. In the weeks and months to follow, The Matrix’s philosophical puzzles posed interesting avenues that my burgeoning atheism was happy to travail. Vague and sophomoric … Continue reading The Anti-Gospel of ‘The Matrix’
With Your Vote, Are You Worshipping Religious Liberty or Are You Worshipping Jesus?
by John Ellis “There remains a fundamental tension in Christianity. Flourishing is good, nevertheless seeking it is not our ultimate goal.” Charles Taylor[1] Voting can be a sticky wicket for Christians. Rarely, at least on the national stage, are we presented with options that align comfortably with a conscience informed by the Holy Spirit, God’s … Continue reading With Your Vote, Are You Worshipping Religious Liberty or Are You Worshipping Jesus?
Amillennialism and the Binding of Satan
by John Ellis After moving to the Orlando area, one of my family’s first priorities was finding a church family with whom to worship and serve our Creator and King. During our search we visited a few local churches that, on paper (their statement of faith), seemed to be in accord with our theological distinctives. … Continue reading Amillennialism and the Binding of Satan
Practically Known Theology 