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
Tag: economics
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
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?
Kingdom Ethics: The Predatory Nature of Student Loans
by John Ellis Empathy is in short supply. As is the understanding of how profoundly image bearers were created to exist in community with and for each other in service to God. That lack of understanding blinds us to the ethics that derive from that ontic reality. Flourishing is found in Christ, but because of … Continue reading Kingdom Ethics: The Predatory Nature of Student Loans
Kingdom Ethics: Equality of Outcomes versus Equality of Opportunities
by John Ellis A good friend of mine texted me a YouTube video containing a clip from a recent (year old) Real Time with Bill Maher episode. The title itself, “New Rule: Equality of Outcomes,” combined with knowing what I know about Bill Maher, was enough to generate an eyeroll from me. The clip itself? … Continue reading Kingdom Ethics: Equality of Outcomes versus Equality of Opportunities
Lessons Christians in America Can Learn from ‘Coolidge’ by Amity Shlaes
“If the federal government were to go out of business, the common run of people would not detect the difference.” Calvin Coolidge By John Ellis Calvin Coolidge is a hero (maybe the hero) for old-school conservatives who still stubbornly cling to the classical liberalism that was long valued but now scorned by the bulk of … Continue reading Lessons Christians in America Can Learn from ‘Coolidge’ by Amity Shlaes
The Problem With Trying to Redeem Work: Some Jobs Aren’t ‘Good’ and Some Work Isn’t ‘Noble’
by John Ellis In a recent article published by RNS, journalist Kathryn Post warns about finding our meaning in our work. She doesn’t argue that work can’t be meaningful but makes the case that the recent push to find meaning in work is swiftly becoming a replacement for the institutions of family, religion, and the … Continue reading The Problem With Trying to Redeem Work: Some Jobs Aren’t ‘Good’ and Some Work Isn’t ‘Noble’
President Biden, the Keystone XL Pipeline, and High Gas Prices
by John Ellis At the gas station I frequent most often, some of the pumps have been adorned by a sticker with President Biden proudly pointing while saying, “I did that.” Situated so that Biden is gesturing towards the panel displaying how much the customer’s total cost is, the message is clear: President Biden is … Continue reading President Biden, the Keystone XL Pipeline, and High Gas Prices
A Godless Fundamentalist: Chapter 9 “The Fool’s Gold of Freedom”
by John Ellis In hindsight, God’s refusal to let me have my way is somewhat humorous, not to mention, and more importantly, a tremendous blessing. Granted, I didn’t see it that way at the time. Living with constantly having my plans thwarted and my path redirected was increasingly frustrating. However, that frustration was in the … Continue reading A Godless Fundamentalist: Chapter 9 “The Fool’s Gold of Freedom”
Practically Known Theology 