by John Ellis As a teaser, I ended my previous article with this quote from Antonin Artaud: “And if there is still one hellish, truly accursed thing in our time, it is our artistic dallying with forms, instead of being like victims burnt at the stake, signaling through the flames.”[1] Artaud’s highly imagistic words underline … Continue reading Deadly Worship Services: How Corporate Worship Serves the Curse
Tag: racism
The Profaning of “O Holy Night”
by John Ellis “O Holy Night” is not only one of my favorite Christmas carols, it is also one of my favorite songs across all genres. In my first play after college, a production of The Homecoming by Earl Hamner, Jr., I played the lead Clay-Boy, better known as John-Boy from the TV series The … Continue reading The Profaning of “O Holy Night”
CRT Does Not (Most Likely) Define Racism the Same Way You Do
by John Ellis It should go without saying that defining terms is essential when engaged in argument/discussion. Sadly, though, it apparently needs to be said, both frequently and loudly. Too many are far too quick to bludgeon those with whom they disagree with definitions of terms that those being bludgeoned don’t agree with nor recognize. … Continue reading CRT Does Not (Most Likely) Define Racism the Same Way You Do
Palestine and Israel, Chapter 3 (part 1): The Paris Peace Conference’s Codified Racism
French Premier Georges Clemenceau, American President Woodrow Wilson, and British Prime Minister Lloyd George. by John Ellis The signing of the Armistice on November 11, 1918, may have officially ended the military battles of World War I, but the fighting was far from over. The carnage, suffering, and demolished infrastructures left in the war’s wake … Continue reading Palestine and Israel, Chapter 3 (part 1): The Paris Peace Conference’s Codified Racism
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
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)
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)
Sunday Morning is the Most Segregated Hour in America for a Reason, but Probably Not for the Reason You Think
by John Ellis Much is made of Sunday morning containing the most segregated hour in American culture. The handwringing isn’t necessarily based on a falsity. It’s true that church services, by and large, are segregated. Ironically, many of the white evangelicals lamenting this state of affairs fail to understand the reason for the segregation in … Continue reading Sunday Morning is the Most Segregated Hour in America for a Reason, but Probably Not for the Reason You Think
The Republican Party Is Neither Pro-Life Nor Pro-Family
by John Ellis In 1954, the CIA initiated and supported a coup to remove Jacobo Arbenz from the office of President of Guatemala, an office to which he had been democratically elected in 1951. President Arbenz’s crime? He was in the process of nationalizing large tracts of rich farmland. Here’s the backstory: Going all the … Continue reading The Republican Party Is Neither Pro-Life Nor Pro-Family
Practically Known Theology 