fbpx
Facebook Twitter Instagram Youtube Rss
Ben Peterson

Ben Peterson

Ben Peterson is an assistant professor of political science at Abilene Christian University. He has published essays in a number of outlets, drawing from resources in Christian social and political theory, the broader Western tradition of political thought, and contemporary social science to address questions relevant to public policy.

Christian conventions

Christians Need Stronger Conventions, Not State Power, to Influence Culture

By
Deep, broad cultural change often results not primarily from government imposition or propagation of ideas, but from committed social entrepreneurs who pilot alternative conventions. Public pronouncement of Christian values, absent change in underlying social conventions, is a poor substitute for deeply rooted change internal to the church.
Woman with "I can't breathe" sign

Dueling Anti-Racisms: Two Views on Promoting Racial Justice in Twenty-First Century America

By
The pitfall of standard anti-racism is its simplistic attribution of all such disparities to systemic racism or racist policy. Simplistic analysis suggests simplistic solutions, some of which may be detrimental to black people. Heterodox thinkers challenge simple diagnoses and solutions, steering us toward constructive endeavor to achieve genuine progress.
Columns

Experts, Politicians, and the Public: The Science and Art of Collective Decision-Making in a Free Society

By
The question is not whether the analysis of the experts, the prudence of the politicians, or the commonsense wisdom of the public should have the most sway. In a free society, each of us must discharge the functions of our orders and offices well.
Incense

Invoking the Tradition: Catholic Social Teaching in Policy Debates

By
Catholic social teaching can serve as an important source of wisdom about how to order personal action and social policy toward the ultimate ends of human life. Still, invoking this tradition does not obviate the need for detailed and mundane policy debate.

Pilgrims in Our Own Country: The Christian Confession and the Christian Conundrum

By
National politics has its place, but the more important and urgent task for Christians is the construction and maintenance of actual communities in which the personal and social implications of the Christian Confession can be realized.

How Liberals and Conservatives Can Learn from Moynihan’s Virtues

By
Contemporary politicians would do well to emulate the virtues of Daniel Patrick Moynihan, a liberal who understood the conservative lesson that intermediary institutions—particularly families—are essential for preserving liberal society.

The American Dream in Crisis: It’s Time for a New Moynihan Moment

By
The American Dream is in crisis because the American family is in crisis. We must commit to a national—not purely governmental—effort to promote strong families.
Facebook Twitter Instagram Youtube Rss

Public Discourse © 2023 / All Rights Reserved