Author Archives: Benj

Unknown's avatar

About Benj

I’m a native North Jerseyan, transplanted to Pennsylvania...lived and taught in Eastern Europe for six years…Old Testament professor, author, minister, musician, liturgist…husband to Corrie…father to Daniel and Elizabeth.

George Mason on Democracy

Posted on 21 July 2016 by Benj

“It would be as unnatural to refer the choice of a proper character for chief magistrate to the people, as it would, to refer a trial of colours to a blind man.” Quoted in F.H. Buckley, The Once and Future … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture-Economics-Society | Leave a comment

Links: 8 July 2016

Posted on 8 July 2016 by Benj

Think hard, and think well, folks… Continue reading →

Posted in Links | Leave a comment

Why Should We Restrict Immigration?

Posted on 5 July 2016 by Benj

“Consider the following thought experiment: Moved by the plight of desperate earthquake victims, you volunteer to work as a relief worker in Haiti. After two weeks, you’re ready to go home. Unfortunately, when you arrive at the airport, customs officials … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture-Economics-Society | Leave a comment

Unorganized Reactions to Brexit

Posted on 26 June 2016 by Benj

“Brexit” is just a terrible word.

Posted in Culture-Economics-Society | Leave a comment

Why Was It OK?

Posted on 23 June 2016 by Benj

Gotta love Google.

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Sermon: “What Gain Is There?”

Posted on 20 June 2016 by Benj

A sermon delivered at Preakness Valley United Reformed Church on June 19 entitled, “Toil Under the Sun: What Gain Is There?” Continue reading →

Posted in Bible-Theology, Giffones in Lithuania, Research | 1 Comment

Links: 17 June 2016

Posted on 17 June 2016 by Benj

The politics of tragedy, the tragedy of politics, and more.

Posted in Links | Leave a comment

How to Carmelize This Onion?

Posted on 15 June 2016 by Benj

Why doesn’t the Deuteronomist disapprove of Elijah’s sacrifice at Carmel during his showdown with the prophets of Ba`al in 1 Kings 18? Isn’t the Jerusalem temple the only legitimate site for sacrifice? Depends on your perspective… Continue reading →

Posted in Bible-Theology, Research | 1 Comment

The Myth of “The Will of the Majority”

Posted on 7 June 2016 by Benj

When democracies must choose only one option of three or more, they can be radically indeterminate. Setting the agenda is tantamount to choosing the outcome–tyranny with the veneer of democracy. Continue reading →

Posted in Culture-Economics-Society | 3 Comments

“She’erit”

Posted on 5 June 2016 by Benj

“She’erit”: The communities of Judahites left in the land after the three waves of deportation to Babylon from 598 to 582 BCE. Continue reading →

Posted in Bible-Theology, Research | 2 Comments