This week’s whirlwind of Trumpian treason — or at the very least, cowardice — in the face of Vladimir Putin, followed by the president’s furious backpedaling at home, reveals two important takeaways: 1) Trump is a pricey but easily acquired marionette, whose strings beg to be manipulated by ratings and the approval of strong-arm … Continue reading Breaking through the echo chamber: lessons in the wake of Helsinki
Sowing in fertile soil
“A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, … Continue reading Sowing in fertile soil
Trump and Hobbes visit NATO
Seventeenth century philosopher Thomas Hobbes warned of a state of nature when the ordering powers of mutual contracts are removed — a state of “continual fear, and danger of violent death: and the life of man, solitary, poor, nasty, brutish and short.” For as long as humans have been human, we’ve been organizing into … Continue reading Trump and Hobbes visit NATO
Principled Republicans needed to take back the republic
There's no arena in which we dichotomize and vilify our neighbors more than in our politics. You adore Trump, or you're a socialist. You support all Democrats, or you're a red hat fascist. Some of you surmise from my opposition to President Trump that I must be a Democrat. A leftist. Commie. 'Murica hater. Pick … Continue reading Principled Republicans needed to take back the republic
Celebrate, and defend, Independence
Today we celebrate our 242nd Independence Day — originally a celebration of no longer having a king, of gaining liberty from tyranny. This Fourth of July, I urge us all to pause and ponder where our nation stands today with respect to that liberty, and what course we are charting for our children. Our unlikely … Continue reading Celebrate, and defend, Independence
Our resolute response to threats and violence: we publish
Five journalists in Annapolis, Md. lost their lives Thursday, victims of another angry man who felt entitled to settle his grievances with a gun. The events preceding and following their tragic deaths are concerning and inspiring — underscoring the toxicity of discourse and disagreement in America today; but also the resolve of journalists to uphold … Continue reading Our resolute response to threats and violence: we publish
A gravely wrong decision
Thoughts on the travel ban and Trump v. Hawaii The Supreme Court on Tuesday upheld in Trump v. Hawaii President Trump’s travel ban – many, drawing on the president’s own words, contend it is a Muslim ban. To the president’s supporters, this is an affirmation of sound national security and immigration policy. To his detractors, … Continue reading A gravely wrong decision
Set down your boulder
But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions — it is by grace you have been saved. Ephesians 2:4-5 In Greek mythology Sisyphus was a man of excessive pride, who believed he could outsmart the gods. As punishment, Sisyphus … Continue reading Set down your boulder
Peace should not be a partisan preference
I don’t much like our president. That’s no secret. But, I do favor peace. I support ending old animosities and preventing unnecessary conflict, and any initiatives to bring prosperity and freedom to the oppressed. For that reason, I applaud our president for his efforts to open dialogue with Kim Jong-un. I pray our nations achieve … Continue reading Peace should not be a partisan preference
Waiting in joy and praise
“Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” Acts 1:4b-5 This scene occurs immediately before the Ascension, and Jesus is telling the apostles to wait patiently … Continue reading Waiting in joy and praise
