The Christian Ethic of Life and Hope: Reflections on Box v. Planned Parenthood
Several years ago, reports began to emerge that trisomy 21 (Down syndrome) has practically disappeared in the country of Iceland. This is good news, ostensibly. But further investigation reveals the sinister cause: abortion. Over this past summer, Justice Clarence Thomas issued a timely and powerful concurring opinion to the Court’s per curiam decision, Box v. Planned Parenthood of Indiana and Kentucky, Inc. (2019), in which he...
An Introduction to Conservatism: Canons Four–Five
In a previous article, I introduced classical conservatism, surveying canons one through three, from Russell Kirk’s The Politic of Prudence. In particular, conservatives believe in an enduring transcendent moral order. They adhere to custom, convention, and continuity, and they follow the principle of prescription. Thus conservatives look upwards and backwards to form their ethic. In this article, we will briefly review canon four,...
Welch College Graduate Breakfast Charge: Fools for Christ
This past week Welch College graduates participated in commencement exercises. It was a time of celebration and excitement. I was deeply appreciative of and honored by the opportunity to issue the charge at the graduate breakfast. What follows is the manuscript of that charge. Graduates: Thank you for the opportunity to give to you the senior challenge. Through the years, I’ve had most of you in class, I’ve seen many of you in my...
Hope, Love, and Transcendence: An Analysis of Interstellar
Some months ago I re-watched a film that was released five years ago: Interstellar. Director Christopher Nolan’s film is about hope, love, and transcendence. Amid a broader film culture that celebrates decadence and meaninglessness, this film’s vision is refreshing. Interstellar released in 2014, earning approximately $677.5 million worldwide and receiving five Academy Award nominations. Since I first viewed the film, I’ve continued...
Food: A Good Gift from a Good God
(Part I/II) We find ourselves eating all kinds of food (especially desserts) this time of year. Yet amid the feasting and celebrating, have you ever thought about food Christianly? Is there a proper Christian view of food? Is it merely a means to an end, or is it nobler than that? Is it somehow less important—less spiritual—than, say, Bible reading and prayer? Over this two-part essay, we will consider five principles regarding...
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