Tag Archives: politics

Why do Tea Party Christians idolize Ayn Rand?

Wicasta Lovelace’s painting of the “The Crucifixion of Ayn Rand” juxtaposes Rand’s philosophy of selfishness with Christ’s act of selflessness. Could there be a greater contraction? Why yes, in real life. But while the intentional juxtaposition in this painting is something I can appreciate, how Tea Party Christians can idolize this pro-choise Atheist in real lifeContinue reading “Why do Tea Party Christians idolize Ayn Rand?”

How can Christian views of the State be so different?

The following comments emerged out of a conversation with a friend over the ethics of war and the extent to which churches are biblically (and thus morally) obligated to support the militaristic function of the state. In essence, my friend believes Romans 13 legitimises the violent defence of the state by Christians, whereas I believeContinue reading “How can Christian views of the State be so different?”

Revelations that some Patriots won’t like

“One of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and said to me, “Come, I will show you the punishment of the great prostitute, who sits by many waters. With her the kings of the earth committed adultery, and the inhabitants of the earth were intoxicated with the wine of her adulteries.” (RevelationContinue reading “Revelations that some Patriots won’t like”

Where do you go for intelligent conservative commentary?

Where do you go for intelligent conservative commentary? For weeks now my solicitor friend Scott has been trying to persuade me on the virtues of the (conservative) Liberal Party and the vices of the (progressive) Labour Party as we draw ever closer to the Australian Federal Election. So far he has convinced me of theContinue reading “Where do you go for intelligent conservative commentary?”

Accountability in an information age

How do we hold powers accountable in situations where power is based on information asymmetries? Who is watching the watchers? This is a question I was pondering last week after reading two very different novels, one about drone warfare, one about cyber warfare, both of which pointed to the collapse of democracy in the informationContinue reading “Accountability in an information age”

Reborn on the Fourth of July: The Challenge of Faith, Patriotism & Conscience

When ranking a book I look for three things. Was it thoughtful? Was it readable? Did it leave me different afterwards? Having just devoured “ReBorn on the Fourth of July: The Challenge of Faith, Patriotism & Conscience” by Logan Mehl-Laituri, I’m giving it 5 stars. I just couldn’t put it down and even now I’mContinue reading “Reborn on the Fourth of July: The Challenge of Faith, Patriotism & Conscience”

Is there a “Christian vote” in Australia?

If you’re interested in the interface between politics and religion in highly secular cultures then, whatever your religious or irreligious leanings, I strongly encourage you to click through and read the essay “God Under Gillard: Religion and Politics in Australia” by Marrion Maddox on the ABC Religion and Ethics website. Marrion lobs a number ofContinue reading “Is there a “Christian vote” in Australia?”