Gene Edward Veith Jr.'s Blog, page 127
October 10, 2016
In defense of free trade
As we’ve blogged about, both candidates are campaigning against free trade. Texas Tech economist Benjamin Powell defends free trade, examining the complaints both candidates are making. He concludes that importing goods from abroad and even trade “cheating,” such as China subsidizing its steel industry, makes Americans wealthier. Is Prof. Powell right? Does he leave out some [Read More...]
What to say about the debate?
It’s being called “the ugliest debate in American history.” And I missed it! Due to one thing and another, I ended up missing this historical event. So how was it? How effectively did Donald Trump deal with that videotape? How effectively did HIllary Clinton deal with Trump’s videotape and her own leaked e-mails? What impact [Read More...]
October 8, 2016
The drama around Sunday’s debate
The second presidential debate will be held Sunday at 9:00 p.m. ET, to be covered by all major networks. This one will have a Town Hall format, with ordinary Americans who have been identified as uncommitted voters in close proximity and asking half the questions. This can induce cringeworthy moments. Candidates will also get to move [Read More...]
October 7, 2016
In defense of small churches
Most churches throughout history and throughout the world have been small. Today more than one billion Christians worship in small congregations. Christianity Today author Karl Vaters has written a series of five blog posts on the subject “The Astonishing Power of Small Churches,” urging that contemporary Christians move away from the megachurch ideal and realize [Read More...]
Men who won’t work
Nearly a third of American men aren’t working. These include the unemployed, men who can’t find jobs. But there are two-and-half times more men who aren’t even trying to find a job. Because their lack of work is voluntary, they aren’t counted in the unemployment rate. But the number of men between 25 to 54 who [Read More...]
Lennonism
Michael Barone says that many in our cultural and political elite follow the tenets of “Lennonism.” Not “Leninism,” but the philosophy of John Lennon in his song Imagine: “Imagine there’s no countries. . . .Nothing to kill or die for. … Imagine all the people living life in peace. … And the world will be [Read More...]
October 6, 2016
“Liturgy shaming” for “liturgical abuse”
Many Catholics are indulging in “liturgy shaming” as a response to “liturgical abuse.” That is, they are taking to the internet to mock and criticize priests whose liturgical innovations go beyond the pale (e.g., clown masses, Cheesehead liturgies, priests presiding while riding hoverboards or bicycles). Such services are being called “liturgical abuse,” on the grounds that they [Read More...]
Bisexuals overtake gays and lesbians in UK
The number of bisexuals has shot up 45%, according to a study in Great Britain. In fact, more young people now identify as bisexual than gay or lesbian. If sexual preference is genetic, as we have been told, is some sort of mass mutation taking place? Or might there be a cultural component to sexual desire? [Read More...]
Pence in 2020?
The strong performance of Mike Pence in the Vice-presidential debate makes him a leading candidate for the 2020 presidential election, should Donald Trump not get elected. At least this is what many Republicans are saying. (I would add that being Vice-president, far from being a meaningless job, often leads to the presidency, so that in [Read More...]
October 5, 2016
Solo scriptura vs. sola scriptura
A new study of evangelicals has found a surprising amount of out-and-out heresy when it comes to their understanding of the Trinity–particularly in regards to the Son of God and the Holy Spirit. Among other things, such as a basic relativism and a repudiation of the church’s authority over them. Mathew Block, communications director of [Read More...]
