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...
Agreeing to Disagree? How Christians Should Respond When They Disagree
Have you ever experienced a church or denominational conflict?[1] You know the scene: A group has split into two or three factions, each claiming the moral high ground. We might roll our eyes when this happens over petty things, but are factions ever justified? In a Relevant Magazine article, Brett McCracken points to six issues that divide Christians today: homosexuality, universalism, politics, evolution, women in ministry, and the...
Recent Comments