by John Ellis Diversity has become a buzzword among reformed churches over the last couple of decades. While buzziness can bring more heat than light, the desire for churches to reflect the beautiful diversity of God’s Kingdom is good and right. Most often, this desire and the accompanying strategies focus on ethnic diversity. The segregation … Continue reading Respecter of Persons: The Lack of Socio-Economic Diversity on Reformed (White) Evangelical Elder Boards
Tag: Theology
Knowledge Is Not Neutral: or, How ‘Data Over Dogma’ Is Idolatrous
by John Ellis I’m currently reading – working through – Frederic Jameson’s A Singular Modernity. Jameson is probably best known as a Marxist literary critic, but his work crosses multiple avenues, notably political theory and cultural/societal criticism. I’ve been exposed to Jameson via various books by other authors, articles, and lectures[1], but A Singular Modernity … Continue reading Knowledge Is Not Neutral: or, How ‘Data Over Dogma’ Is Idolatrous
The Syncretism of American Mythologies and White Evangelicalism
by John Ellis Several years ago, while living in Arlington, VA, a church member approached me with a concern about my use of the title king for Jesus. It wasn’t so much the title as my near constant use of it. Whenever I prayed publicly, preached, taught Sunday school, etc., I made it a point … Continue reading The Syncretism of American Mythologies and White Evangelicalism
Bob Jones University: The End Is Nigh
by John Ellis This morning, Bob Jones University, my almost alma mater, introduced Dr. Bruce McAllister as the school’s seventh president. The announcement was wrapped in a mood of relieved optimism. Watching it live, the whole thing seemed to me like a giant sigh of relief from those who love a version of Bob Jones … Continue reading Bob Jones University: The End Is Nigh
Deadly Worship Services: How Corporate Worship Serves the Curse
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
The Church: An Agent of Disruption
by John Ellis “For me, to live is Christ, to die is gain.” Philippians 1:21 One of the most important works of theatre theory published over the last century (or, really, ever) is The Theater and Its Double by the almost inexplorable and wonderfully mystical Antonin Artaud. In the book’s preface, titled “The Theatre and … Continue reading The Church: An Agent of Disruption
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
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?
A Post-Evangelical Journey of Faith, Doubt, and Shalom
by John Ellis Almost exactly four years ago, I shuttered my previous blog A Day in His Court. Over the upcoming weeks and months, I’m planning on writing more about what led me to transition away from my previous blog and start Practically Known Theology. For now, I simply want to note that by the … Continue reading A Post-Evangelical Journey of Faith, Doubt, and Shalom
Can God Create a Rock too Big for Him to Lift?
by John Ellis There’s only been one time in my life when I’ve been legitimately asked “how many angels can dance on the head of a pin?”. By legitimately, I mean it wasn’t asked by a buddy goofing around. The question was condescendingly posed to me by a smirking college kid who overheard me and … Continue reading Can God Create a Rock too Big for Him to Lift?
Practically Known Theology 