by John Ellis Absurdist theatre has gotten a bad rap within conservative Christian communities. Whether it’s viewed as a postmodern rebellion against God, simply dismissed as some sort of aesthetic version of the emperor’s new clothes, or has never even crossed their radar, absurdist theatre is not the preferred theatre genre of most conservative Christians, … Continue reading Absurdist Theatre and the Gospel: How Then Shall We Live? (Part 1)
Tag: Gospel
The Definitive Apologetic Answer Guide to Some of the Most Difficult Challenges to Christianity
by John Ellis Apologetics is a discipline that attracts much attention within Christianity, and for good reason. Atheism and agnosticism are on the rise. Even among non-atheists/non-agnostics, the rejection of long held beliefs about God, Jesus, and the Bible is seemingly the norm. Most of us have family members and friends who have rejected Christianity … Continue reading The Definitive Apologetic Answer Guide to Some of the Most Difficult Challenges to Christianity
Yes, I Am a ‘Woke’ Christian. No, I Have Not Drifted into Theological Compromise.
by John Ellis Have you ever heard of the Scottsboro Boys? Considered one of the most egregious examples of a racist miscarriage of justice in this country, nine Black men were wrongfully convicted of raping two white women in 1931. In the original trial and subsequent retrials, Alabama juries, comprised of all white men (with … Continue reading Yes, I Am a ‘Woke’ Christian. No, I Have Not Drifted into Theological Compromise.
The Colson Center, God, Quantum Physics, and Univocity of Being
by John Ellis The question, “Does God use quantum theory, too?” was posed in a recent Breakpoint podcast episode (at least in the title). The episode is short – very short – at only 1 minute and 5 seconds long. It begins by referencing science writer John Horgans’ claim that, “Quantum mechanics is science’s most … Continue reading The Colson Center, God, Quantum Physics, and Univocity of Being
Reading Genesis (Chapters 1 and 2) After the Scientific Revolution
by John Ellis During his time as the Poet Laureate of the United States (2001-2003), Billy Collins created Poetry 180, a program designed to encourage high schoolers to engage poetry both meaningfully and enjoyably. In the introduction to the poetry anthology Collins compiled as a companion piece for the program, he offers a warning to … Continue reading Reading Genesis (Chapters 1 and 2) After the Scientific Revolution
COVID at Two Years of Age: Charting a Path Forward for Followers of King Jesus
by John Ellis Standing on the Cady Way Trail’s walking bridge spanning Semoran Blvd, I watched the cars streaming under me and thought, “Are we ready for what’s about to happen?” It was mid-March of 2020, and COVID’s effects were already starting to ripple out. The news out of Italy was horrendous, but distant. The … Continue reading COVID at Two Years of Age: Charting a Path Forward for Followers of King Jesus
The Paradox of the Gospel
by John Ellis We strive to be either icons or iconoclasts; we long to build up or to burn down. The gospel of Jesus Christ is the only thing that does both. That paradox, though, stokes rebellion in our heart. To be loved by the Most High God is an incalculable weight; a burden that … Continue reading The Paradox of the Gospel
Lifeway Research Claims a New Report Is encouraging for Christians. Is It, Though?
by John Ellis Lifeway Research recently published an article commenting on the “Status of Global Christianity, 2022, in the Context of 1900-2050” published by the Center for the Study of Global Christianity out of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. The title of Lifeway Research’s article joyfully trumpets, “7 Encouraging Trends of Global Christianity.” To that optimistic enthusiasm, … Continue reading Lifeway Research Claims a New Report Is encouraging for Christians. Is It, Though?
The Hubristic Folly of Apologetics
Paul sharing the gospel at Mars Hill. by John Ellis (note: Early this morning, before beginning work on the final edit of this article, I opened The Gospel Coalition’s website and then clicked on and read “Not Your Typical Apologetics Book,” an interview of Gavin Ortlund by Matt Smethurst about Ortlund’s new book Why God … Continue reading The Hubristic Folly of Apologetics
How Long Shall the Wicked Prosper?: A Competing Narrative of the United States of America
Digital image of original artifact. by John Ellis Yesterday morning before Sunday school class began, the young man teaching asked about my t-shirt. “What kind of flag is that on your shirt?” “It’s the A.I.M. logo,” I replied through my mask. His expression revealed that “A.I.M.” wasn’t translating through the double-ply cotton. “The logo for … Continue reading How Long Shall the Wicked Prosper?: A Competing Narrative of the United States of America
Practically Known Theology 