Rev. Ben Johnson

Rev. Ben Johnson is an Eastern Orthodox priest and served as executive editor of the Acton Institute from 2016 to 2021. His work has appeared in a wide variety of publications, including National Review, the American Spectator, The Guardian, National Catholic Register, Providence, Jewish World Review, Human Events, and the American Orthodox Institute. His personal websites are therightswriter.com and RevBenJohnson.com. You can find him on X: @therightswriter.

Posts by Rev. Ben Johnson

May 23, 2017

MEP: This Catholic doctrine can save the EU

In secular Europe, it is rare for politicians to suggest that the European Union’s expansive, imperious policies should be reformed by implementing a Christian doctrine. Yet that is precisely what a manifesto aimed at curbing EU excesses has done. Continue Reading...
May 19, 2017

The anthropology of liberty

Liberty and collectivism are not merely competing political systems; at a deeper level, they are rival theologies. Each has its own depiction of God and, with it, differing assessments of human dignity. Continue Reading...
May 12, 2017

What that viral ‘wealth inequality’ video gets wrong

Globalization does not merely mean cutthroat competition; it also means that the best minds from around the world can collaborate and, when necessary, correct one another’s conclusions. Scientists rely on this interplay of minds but so do other disciplines, not least economics, where clear thinking is perpetually in short supply. Continue Reading...
May 12, 2017

How Brexit helps ‘the least of these’

Brexit may suffer from the most uniquely inverted public perception in modern international affairs. The British referendum to leave the European Union – the most successful rebellion against global governance to date – is depicted as a racist and xenophobic retreat into an isolated and atomized existence.  Continue Reading...
May 09, 2017

To fight poverty, Oxfam must measure what matters

If people of faith want to reduce global poverty, they must begin by accurately measuring the problem. But a well-publicized report on international poverty distorts the problem and promotes solutions that would leave the world’s poorest people worse off, according to two free market experts. Continue Reading...
May 08, 2017

France settles for Macron and malaise

What should American citizens think of Emmanuel Macron and the impact he will have as the next president of France? His outsider status, entrenched opposition, and imprecise political platform may create the perfect storm for France to continue marching in place, according to a new essay in Religion & Liberty Transatlantic. Continue Reading...