Ideas are inherently social. Teaching and learning, talking and listening, and all forms of salutary social change are cooperative. As the prophets teach, “Do two walk together, unless they have agreed to meet?” Continue Reading...
Latest Posts
March 01, 2021
A biblical theology of work, Part 1: Why work?
A recent article on the Powerblog celebrating the work of delivery drivers, who never seem to be included in the definition of an “essential worker,” reminded me that we do not spend enough time thinking about work from an economic or theological point of view. Continue Reading...
March 01, 2021
The ‘new normal’ creates transactional living
This essay won third place in the essay contest of the Acton Institute’s 2020 Poverty Cure Summit, which took place on Nov. 18-19, 2020. The author will receive a $1,000 prize. Continue Reading...
February 26, 2021
Emanuel Cleaver: People get ‘saved’ through government spending (video)
The Bible says that salvation cometh by hearing, but some believe salvation cometh by earmarks. One congressman has compared government spending with eternal salvation in our Lord Jesus Christ.
Earmarks are dedicated spending amendments that congressmen often attached to larger, “must-pass” legislation. Continue Reading...
February 26, 2021
NHS staff told ‘do not resuscitate’ COVID-19 patients with learning disabilities
After a year-long legal battle, a British hospital apologized for placing 51-year-old Andrew Waters under a “Do Not Resuscitate” order without his family’s consent during his 2011 hospital stay, because he suffered from Down syndrome and “learning difficulties.” Continue Reading...
February 26, 2021
John Henry Newman on Dr. Fauci and the COVID-19 lockdowns
Johnson & Johnson’s new COVID-19 vaccine brings the hope that all American adults could be vaccinated by June and, with it, the prospect of returning to a normal life. To this, Dr. Continue Reading...
February 24, 2021
Xavier Becerra would destroy the First Amendment
If Xavier Becerra wins confirmation as secretary of Health and Human Services, he will make history, because Becerra would likely become the first Cabinet secretary to believe the First Amendment does not grant churches the freedom of religion. Continue Reading...
February 23, 2021
Scientism cannot cure COVID-19
On Monday, a grim milestone was passed: 500,000 COVID-19 deaths have been reported in just over a year since the arrival of the pandemic in the United States. President Joe Biden has ordered the American flag to be flown at half-staff on public buildings and grounds until sunset on Friday. Continue Reading...
February 22, 2021
Law and morality: not a simple affair
The role of the state, in spheres ranging from public morality to the economy, is one of several axes around which debates about the conservative movement’s future are presently revolving.
In a 2020 article, I critiqued common-good constitutionalism for its misreading of how the natural law tradition treats the role of the state and law vis-à-vis morality. Continue Reading...
February 22, 2021
Fewer prisoners, more jail spending?
The onset of COVID-19 brings new attention to correctional facilities and the number of prisoners remanded because of the virus’ ability to spread rapidly through human contact. A recent study by the Pew Charitable Trust focuses on jails, which are generally operated by local municipalities, and how their budgets are currently allocated. Continue Reading...
