Thoughts on Philosophy, Theology, Politics, & Economics — Sometimes All at Once

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James E. Bruce

Professor of Philosophy at John Brown University, Director of the Center for Faith and Flourishing, and Associate Pastor at Covenant Church, Fayetteville.

Civil Discourse Doesn’t Happen by Accident

Civil Discourse Doesn’t Happen by Accident

Having rules set out in advance is much better than being told that you cannot speak on a motion, just because someone says so. That’s too personal, understandably upsetting, and Robert’s Rules helps us avoid it.

Of Atheists and Oaths

Of Atheists and Oaths

We cannot pretend that an oath is something other than someone calling upon God as witness and judge.

A Philosopher’s Guide to the Overtures

I give my frank assessment of the overtures in the hopes that, even if you disagree with me, you can better formulate reasons for why you do so.

Good Friday and Natural Law

Good Friday and Natural Law

Penal substitution needs natural law theory, because penal substitution depends upon the claim that God cannot let sins go unpunished.

A Different Kind of Institutional Loyalty

A Different Kind of Institutional Loyalty

Individual indifference to an institution may reflect the institution’s own indifference to itself.

The Grammar of Gratitude

The Grammar of Gratitude

To feel grateful, we must have gratitude to someone for something. That’s the grammar of gratitude. For the gift of life itself, we must be grateful to the giver of all life.

The Etiquette of Email

The Etiquette of Email

I am by no means an expert on email etiquette, but, then again, who is? Besides, as a philosophy professor, center director, and pastor, I get my share of email, so I make up in volume what I lack in wisdom.