Is the Drive for Recognition the Root of Inequality?

January 21, 2025 By Brad Vaughn

Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s Second Discourse on the Origins of Human Inequality offers a critical examination of the human condition, tracing the roots of inequality back to the earliest stages of social development. (See my previous post for a critique of his individualism.) As flawed as his work is, Rousseau rightly observes that competition and the lust for respect are foundational elements that generate inequality and lead to varied social ills. This post explores how Rousseau’s critique of competition and the drive for... Read more

How Rousseau Steers the West Wrongly to Individualism

January 7, 2025 By Brad Vaughn

0 Comments

Jean-Jacques Rousseau is often celebrated as a champion of liberty, individualism, and natural human goodness. In his Second Discourse on the Origins of Human Inequality, Rousseau tries to expose the dangers of social inequality by tracing the root of human misery to the onset of civilization. While I find his writing abysmally naive and self-contradictory, he does give voice to some of the worst inclinations in the modern West. His famous claim, “Man is weak when he is dependent and... Read more

The Inherent Contradiction of Wokeness

December 10, 2024 By Brad Vaughn

0 Comments

In recent years, “wokeness” has become a cultural phenomenon that is difficult to define precisely, yet its influence is pervasive. It’s often associated with social justice movements. At its core, however, wokeness is a worldview shaped by profound skepticism toward grand narratives— those overarching stories that give meaning and coherence to history, culture, and identity. Ironically, even as wokeness rejects grand narratives, it simultaneously creates its own framework based on identity and tribal membership, essentializing people according to their marginalized... Read more

Honor and Shame in Shakespeare’s Othello

November 26, 2024 By Brad Vaughn

0 Comments

In this second post in the series, we look at ways that honor and shame shape major works in Western literature. Today, we examine Shakespeare’s Othello. Othello is a masterful exploration of how honor, shame, and reputation shape human behavior and relationships. In the play, these themes are not mere background elements; they are the very forces driving the tragedy forward. As characters wrestle with their identities and public perceptions, Othello reveals the destructive power of honor and shame when... Read more

Honor and Shame in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein

November 12, 2024 By Brad Vaughn

0 Comments

Over the years, I’ve tried showing how Western cultures care about honor and shame. These are not mere “Eastern” concerns. In keeping with this point, I’ll spend a few posts highlighting examples of honor and shame in Western literature. Today, we begin with Frankenstein. Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein offers more than just a tale of scientific ambition gone awry. Beneath the surface, it explores how honor, shame, and reputation drive the characters’ decisions and shape the trajectory of the narrative. These... Read more

3 reasons you should not be your “authentic self”

October 29, 2024 By Brad Vaughn

0 Comments

The call to be our “authentic self” is a popular mantra in today’s world, where authenticity is often equated with self-fulfillment and living without pretense. But, as Christians, is this truly the path we should take? While there’s value in honesty and integrity, the concept of always being “authentic” can be misleading. Here are three reasons why you should think twice before embracing your so-called “authentic self.” 1. Your Authentic Self Might Suck Let’s be real: we all have aspects... Read more

What Galatians Says about Christian Nationalism

October 15, 2024 By Brad Vaughn

0 Comments

Many are concerned about Christian nationalism in the American church, but few address what the church can do about it Read more

Peter teaches that weakness and setbacks are not failure

October 1, 2024 By Brad Vaughn

0 Comments

In Luke 22:31-32, Jesus offers a profound lesson on the nature of failure, weakness, and setback that redefines how we view moments of struggle in our faith journey. When Jesus warns Peter, “Simon, Simon, listen! Satan has demanded to sift all of you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your own faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned back, strengthen your brothers,” he prepares Peter—and all of us—for the challenges that come with... Read more

Worship Through Attention: Guarding Against Idolatry

September 17, 2024 By Brad Vaughn

0 Comments

In this series, I’ve stressed the point in multiple ways: In our world teeming with distractions and countless idols vying for our focus, directing our attention to God is a vital spiritual discipline and expression of worship. Attention, akin to time and money, is a precious resource that mirrors our priorities and values. If misdirected, it can easily lead us into idolatry. Click to see post 1 and post 2. In this article below, I will explore how attention serves... Read more

From Distraction to Focus on Jesus

September 3, 2024 By Brad Vaughn

0 Comments

In our distraction-filled world, the ability to focus stands out as a rare and valuable skill. In the previous post, I compared attention to “currency.” For believers, this isn’t just a cognitive exercise; it’s a vital spiritual discipline. The distinction between attention and focus, though subtle, is significant. While attention can be dispersed across many stimuli, focus involves intentionally directing our mental and emotional energy toward one central purpose. For Christians, this means fixing our eyes on Jesus. Let’s delve... Read more