John G. Stackhouse Jr.'s Blog, page 25

In Search of Truth and Reconciliation

Albert Einstein is said to have counseled us to “simplify as far as possible—but no farther.” As a reasonably well-informed Canadian of some years, I confess to being absolutely stymied when it comes to the nest of problems surrounding our … Continued

When You Invite a Visiting Speaker…

Since most people who invite speakers (and the same goes for musicians, I daresay) are not themselves professional speakers, and especially in the volunteer-dominated world of Christian organizations, basic courtesies, conveniences, and even crucial information can be withheld from visiting … Continued

Space: The Final Frontier

As Elon Musk indulges in the world’s highest-altitude product placement, putting both SpaceX and Tesla into solar orbit, theological questions inescapably occur to one, don’t they? I’ve been a space and science fiction nut for a long, long time. My … Continued

Will Canadian Christians Have to Stop Practicing Medicine?

I admit that the title of this column seems clickbait-y. But it is among the serious questions being asked in the wake of the recent decision by the Ontario Divisional Court in the case Christian Medical and Dental Society et al … Continued

What Is a “Right”?

The controversy over the Summer Jobs Program continues, fuelled in part by confusion over the government’s insistence that it is merely protecting established rights for women. But in saying so, the Prime Minister, Employment Minister, and others are blurring a … Continued

Why Dig in? Clues to the Liberals’ Stubbornness over the Summer Jobs Program

There’s a lot not to like about the Summer Jobs Program fiasco. The Liberal government’s insistence that employers conform with its ideology in order to gain tax dollars to support student employment has been eviscerated from coast to coast. What … Continued

Religious Violence in Canada: Will It Happen Again?

[This is another re-posting of a column from “Context with Lorna Dueck” published online last March.] The recent shooting in a Quebec City mosque has prompted shocked Canadians to wonder whether we will see more religiously motivated violence. We will. … Continued

Zombies, Fear, and Hope

[This is from last February, as I’m posting a backlog from “Context with Lorna Dueck. That’s why some of the time references are…old.] We have finally reached “peak zombie.” Popular culture’s fascination with the cannibalistic undead has turned a corner … Continued

It’s Time for the Prime Minister to Govern

The Prime Minister is no longer young. Youthful, yes, with his mother’s good looks and a photogenic family, but Justin Pierre James Trudeau recently celebrated his 46th birthday. And it’s past time he made the transition from campaigner to governor. … Continued

Pray First, Criticize Second

In the target-rich environment that is the Trump Presidency, and as the honeymoon with our charming Prime Minister fades, it is easy to lapse into a posture of constant criticism. There is so much to be upset about! Meanwhile, the … Continued