Politics in the Name of Jesus, Part Two

The comments here are pursuing the question of what it means to declare something in the name of Jesus, particularly when it comes to convoluted political questions. Here are some additional thoughts on that thorny question. First, the job of a minister is to declare “thus saith the Lord,” and not “it seems to me.” …

Announcement of Important “Save the Republic” Song Contest

We know that a bunch of you out there have recording equipment available, and perhaps some rudimentary skills with the banjo. I would like to take this opportunity to announce a recording contest — write and record a version of the lyrics below (alterations are allowable, but it must remain recognizably the same song, and …

Book of the Month/June 2012

In this very fine book, Jonah Goldberg rises to the defense of ideology, and about time somebody did. He acknowledges that there has been a stream of Burkean/Kirkian conservative thought that has been suspicious of ideology, but this has just been the natural prudence that wants to avoid movements in the grip of one idea. …

Not Even Sure How to Spell Kleagle

In his engaging and admirable book, Bad Religion, Ross Douthat mentions me in an aside,[1] and in that particular citation, he touches on a few things that need to be addressed at the very outset of any argument for a “mere Christendom.” They can be grouped under the heading of proposals that no one should …