The patriarchy is alive and well. Men are the highest paid group in the United States. Over 95% of the Fortune 500 has a man as CEO, and most of the other executive positions are held by guys as well. The richest woman in the world, Liliane Bettencourt, is still only the 14th wealthiest person… Continue reading A Masculine Manifesto
Category: Sociology of Religion
Taking God for Granted
Think of all the things we take for granted in life. The concepts of white privilege and patriarchy are that white males have certain historical advantages that they never actually think about. Things are becoming more egalitarian, for sure. However, Western civilization has been, for better or worse, a product of straight white men exploiting… Continue reading Taking God for Granted
The Triune Self
My name is Alex Simmons, but what does that really mean? Who am “I”? I am a Christian, a husband, the father of four lovely girls, a sociologist, a drummer, a UNLV graduate student, and a UNLV employee. These are roles and statuses, but is that all I am; the sum of roles and statuses?… Continue reading The Triune Self
A Conundrum
Let's pretend that there is an ideology that, if practiced according to its fundamental document, would encourage pedophilia, abuse of women, killing homosexuals, and murder of those who disagree with said ideology. Let's pretend that for 1500 years, those who follow their fundamental document have engaged in violent conquest leaving behind a trail of corpses… Continue reading A Conundrum
The Bias of Unbiased Science
It's fun to think of the scientist as a person seeking empirical knowledge without bias. The belief that science is the superior, or even only, means to gain knowledge IS biased; and flawed. How many of sciences findings have been replaced with updated research? The Earth was flat until it wasn't. The sun revolved… Continue reading The Bias of Unbiased Science
Karl Marx and the Forbidden Fruit
I am about to take a trip down a theoretical rabbit hole. Would you care to join me? Karl Marx is one of the most quoted, inspiring, and powerful men that you probably know very little about. He is blamed for the current progressive movement, some very politically minded films, leftist politics, failed Communist empires,… Continue reading Karl Marx and the Forbidden Fruit
Knowledge or Wisdom?
We are the most technologically advanced civilization in history, but all this knowledge has not improved our lives in any meaningful way. Sure, we have more luxury and leisure, but we are no happier than our ignorant ancestors who simply sought after things like the meaning of life or what our purpose on the planet… Continue reading Knowledge or Wisdom?
Double Inspiration and the Debate Over the Best Bible Version
One of my biggest Christian inspirations is Dr. Peter Ruckman. Unfortunately, Dr. Ruckman—a divisive figure if ever there was one in the Independent Fundamental Baptist church—passed away on April 21st. Instead of remembering the lyrics to Purple Rain, like everyone else on social media, I reminisced about one of the greatest evangelists of the last… Continue reading Double Inspiration and the Debate Over the Best Bible Version
The Illegitimacy of the Legalism Label
“Legalism” has become a buzz word in the Independent Fundamental Baptist (IFB) movement lately. To paraphrase Inigo Montoya from The Princess Bride, we keep using that word, but I don’t think it means what we think it means. Let us start with the etymology. “Legal” refers to law; specifically, written law. “Ism” is an adherence… Continue reading The Illegitimacy of the Legalism Label
The Cure for Legitimation Crisis
We are staring into the eyes of what Jurgen Habermas called a “legitimation crisis.” There is a fundamental mistrust of our government, churches, media, education, legal system, and other administrative agencies that are supposed to be in place to protect us from tyranny. Regardless of our political or religious affiliations, we feel let down. This… Continue reading The Cure for Legitimation Crisis
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