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”

The Gospel and Poverty

“Blessed is the one who considers the poor.” Psalm 41:1 by John Ellis In 2011, successful Wall Street bond trader Chris Arnade walked into one of the Bronx’s worst neighborhoods. Prior to his foray into America’s world of poverty, Arnade was warned that “it was too dangerous, too poor.”[1] He didn’t care and went anyway. … Continue reading The Gospel and Poverty