Here I begin discussion of theologian Adam Kotsko’s 2018 book Neoliberalism’s Demons: On the Political Theology of Late Capital (Stanford University Press). Earlier I posted some remarks about the Introduction; I’ll skip that here and go to Chapter 1: The Political Theology of Late Capital. If you have read the chapter, feel free to comment on it. If not, only ask a question. In either case, follow my rules (stated below). I often tell my students that when they are... Read more

Another flare up in the controversy over kenotic Christology. Numerous YouTube diatribes against it, linking it with charismatic churches especially (e.g., Bethel Church in Redding, California). I’m not sure exactly what those churches and their pastors have said; they may have misrepresented kenotic Christology. Here I want to set the record straight—about what kenotic Christology really is, what it originally meant, and why it is not a heresy. Kenotic Christology is belief that the Son of God, God the Son,... Read more

According to news reports, Elon Musk, special advisor to US President Trump, has said that no one has died since the cut off of US aid (shut down of USAID). Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Nicholas Kristof says otherwise and he has been there and seen it. Where? South Sudan—a place where thousands of refugees from a seemingly endless civil war live and die—including many women and children. Watch this YouTube video: Musk Said No One Has Died Since Aid Was Cut.... Read more

Neoliberalism’s Demons Starting on or about Monday, March 31, I will begin a series of discussions of the book Neoliberalism’s Demons: On the Political Theology of Late Capital by theologian Adam Kotsko (Stanford University Press, 2018). To whet your appetite (and hopefully get you to buy the book), here is a brief quotation from the book’s Introduction: “… neoliberalism is more than simply a formula for economic policy. It aspires to be a complete way of life and a holistic... Read more

Is There A “Christian Economic System?” While re-reading Tony Campolo’s excellent book We Have Met the Enemy, and They Are Partly Right (originally titled Partly Right: Christianity Responds to Its Critics) I came across a portion “A Christian Response to Marx’s Economic Theories.” There Tony spelled out some principles of Christian economics. The most basic one is: “For Christians the primary motive in economic activities, as in all other activities, is love.” (167) Then Tony eight “biblical principles” that transcend... Read more

Prophetic Tony Campolo: 1985 Warning for America Many American evangelical Christians don’t remember Tony Campolo. He died recently. During the 1980s, also before and after, he was a major evangelical influencer, especially in American evangelical academic circles. He wrote popular books. He spoke at most evangelical colleges and universities and many churches. I read his books and heard him speak many times. I only met him once and it was not a satisfying meeting. However, I respected him for his... Read more

The Crisis of Liberal Theology Here I end my discussion series of my book Against Liberal Theology: Putting the Brakes on Progressive Christianity with Chapter 8: The Crisis of Liberal Theology. If you have read the chapter, you may comment (following the rules below). If you have not read the chapter, you may ask a question. There can be no doubt that so-called “mainline Protestant churches” have dwindled in numbers and influence in the past half century. According to Gary... Read more

A New Book Discussion: Neoliberalism’s Demons: On the Political Theology of Late Capital The book is by theologian Adam Kotsko and is published by Stanford University Press (2018). It is available in both new and used (as well as Kindle) editions at many different prices.  If you want to pay less, check it out on abebooks.com. Kotsko argues that neoliberalism is a theology. I consider it an ideology, so I am curious about Kotsko’s reasons for calling it a theology.... Read more

Neoliberalism and Social Darwinism Lest anyone tell me I should not blog about politics or economics, let me educate them/you: There is a branch of theology called “political theology.” This essay is about that; it is an example of it. Here is a Youtube video you need to watch if you want to know WHY what is happening in America is happening. The deep cause is “neoliberalism” which is not at all what it sounds like—at least to untutored ears.... Read more