Vantage Points

Mark Hatfield, Nukes, and the Art of Dissent

Senator Mark Hatfield's speech before Congress, given nearly three decades ago, is an example of the lost art of intraparty dissent in the United States.

Blind Spots

John Dickinson: "Underrated Founder"

American Prophet: Martin Luther King Jr.

Martin Luther King Jr.'s antiwar speech, given in New York City exactly one year before his death, is a prophetic denunciation of American militarism. It's message is even more relevant today than it was over fifty years ago.

Fear and Idolatry in the United States

Fear and Idolatry in the Philippines

Idolatry has always loomed large as a sin that separates people from their God and creator. It is not an exaggeration to say that some form of idolatry lies at the heart of all sin.

The Politics of Fear

In this presidential election year, Christians should avoid the politics of fear.

The Search for the Long-Lost David Lipscomb Cartoon

Dr. Kippy Myers findings from his search for an infamous "caricature" of David Lipscomb.

Airstrikes Against Iran Are A Bad Idea

Senator Tom Cotton's suggestion that the United States launch airstrikes and a naval bombardment of Iran is a bad idea. A preemptive attack would increase rather than decrease the likelihood of Iran developing nuclear weapons.

"Use Me Instead!": Christ and Church In Communion with the World

A group of clergy responded by sending photographs of themselves in ministerial dress and clerical robes to the police department, with notes that said simply “Use me instead.” It was a fascinating and powerful response to me, and made my mind jump to the passage above.

A Blues Note

I have been attending the “King Biscuit Blues Festival” for many years. It gets its name and location from a flour company and a radio program that began in 1941 and continues today.

On the Declaration of Independence

One of the advantages of teaching American Government is having the regular opportunity to read and discuss what has been called the grandest, bravest, and most profound political document ever written.

Landmark Abortion Showdown in Tennessee Set for November

Every election cycle, there is one election race or piece of legislation that captures the attention of the nation. This year the state of Tennessee has the honor (if you can call it an honor) of having the most significant voter choice on a ballot in the form of a constitutional amendment.

Sacramental Torture: Sarah Palin, Baptism, and Waterboarding

“...If I were in charge, [enemies] would know that waterboarding is how we’d baptize terrorists.” In these remarks that have now gone viral, Sarah Palin—author, politico, television host, and former Alaska governor—described this process (widely held to be illegal; almost universally held to be torture) in sacramental terms.