Should We Hold Any Truths to be Self-Evident?
On Monday, I wrote about Common Sense Philosophy, American Democracy, and Total Depravity, but I had to end before I got to the really good stuff–Total Depravity! As Americans, we live with a deep-seated belief that we just know certain things, and that no one should question our common sense knowledge. As Christians, however, we [...]
Common Sense Philosophy, American Democracy, and Total Depravity
I am still reading through Mark Noll’s book America’s God, and my wife was kind enough to buy my own copy for my birthday! (I had been reading a library copy and dropping lots of hints–”I am loving this book! It’s one of the best books that I have read in a long time!” etc…) [...]
Filibuster Friday
Happy Friday! I came across this interesting article, which argues that Senate leaders need to begin work on phasing out the filibuster: So it seems the Senate paralyzed itself. Well, the Senate can unparalyze itself, too. Not right away, but after a time. And they should, if we’re not to become a failed state, unable [...]
Everybody Hates (And Loves!) Parliamentary Procedure
Last month, I tried to evaluate the political landscape concerning health care reform with an post titled, “Everybody Hates Democracy,” where I argued that people primarily care about polls and vote counts to get their way, not to seek some kind of theoretical wisdom of the people. I’m not sure how I missed this, but [...]
How Should Churches Deal with Problem Members?
All organizations struggle with how exactly to deal with “problem” members—those who always seem to oppose change no matter how badly it may be needed; those who “debate” by threatening and complaining; and, most frustratingly, those who command just enough votes to impose their will upon the organization. For churches, this kind of situation only [...]
Jonathan Edwards, Covenant Theology, and American Politics
I have been deeply enjoying Mark Noll’s America’s God: From Jonathan Edwards to Abraham Lincoln. (Thanks for the recommendation, Andrew!) The main thrust of the book is that American (Protestant) Christian theology developed uniquely from other theology because of a strong influence of strong philosophical and political influences such as common sense moral reasoning and [...]
Ronald Reagan, Reconciliation, and Health Care Reform
From Bloomberg story, “Democrats Owe Thanks to Reagan for Health Vote Procedure“: Democrats owe the late President Ronald Reagan a measure of thanks for the parliamentary procedure they’re using this week to try to complete the U.S. health-care overhaul.It was Republicans, concerned that Reagan’s agenda might get bogged down in the Senate, who in 1981 [...]
Jimmy Fallon's Rules of Order
I really think that parliamentary procedure should be a larger part of late night television.
Democracy and Book Reviews
I love books, and have recently begun to enjoy a steady diet of book reviews with my Christmas present for this year–a subscription to Books & Culture. So, when I came across a book about book reviews, I had to take the time to read it. Faint Praise: The Plight of Book Reviewing in America, [...]