“Let him begin by treating the Patriotism … as part of his religion. Then, let him, under the influence of partisan spirit, come to regard it as the most important.” (C.S. Lewis, The Screwtape Letters) Edward P.J. Corbett, in…
What Josh Hawley got right and wrong about the City of God
In a recent essay by Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., called “Our Christian Nation,” he argues Christians should bring the gospel to bear on every aspect of life — society, economy and most especially on government. It’s certainly a thoughtful essay,…
Josh Hawley seeks revival of ‘Our Christian Nation,’ condemns ‘atheist left’
Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley’s recent First Things essay, “Our Christian Nation,” may warm the hearts of Christian nationalists and confound historians and theologians who worry about continuing threats to the separation of church and state. Every nation needs a common…
When did ‘woke’ become a four-letter word?
The Texas Legislature is currently considering bills forbidding the teaching in public schools of Critical Race Theory or the notion that America’s founding on slavery and taking land from indigenous people might in any way complicate the greatness of our…
This year, I need Lent
I told a friend, “I need Lent this year.” I have practiced Lent in some form or fashion since middle school, although not always with the greatest of intentions, and before it was commonplace in Cooperative Baptist Fellowship-adjacent circles. One…
What does Pelagius have to do with Josh Hawley and white nationalism?
An old idiom, usually attributed to Oscar Wilde, says that irony is wasted on stupid people. But not everyone who fails to appreciate irony is a mindless dolt. Some of them are quite clever, aiming their malformed wit in the…
Missouri Baptist group opposes Senate candidate’s call for Johnson Amendment repeal
A moderate Baptist organization in Missouri reiterated its support for a provision in the federal tax code barring churches from endorsing or opposing political candidates that has suddenly emerged as an issue in one of the most-watched U.S. Senate races…