Why ‘Vermin’ Can’t Be Tolerated
Contributing writer Rodney Kennedy makes the case that the current progression in transgressive rhetoric is not a Trump problem — it is a human problem. And even more disturbing it is a Christian problem.
Revealing the ‘Rights’ Chameleon
Contributing writer Rodney Kennedy makes the case that the most color-shifting term in our political vocabulary is 'rights.'
Review: Good and Evil in the Garden of Democracy
In his book "Good and Evil in the Garden of Democracy," author Rodney Kennedy brings his reading of scripture and philosophy into conversation with rhetorical criticism in order to better understand Trump's threat to democracy.
Michael Flynn’s Soup for the Soulless
This issue of A Public Witness highlights some Christians challenging the rhetoric of Michael Flynn and others at the ReAwaken America Tour before offering a theological reminder about how we talk about those with whom we disagree.
Democrats, Devils, and Democracy
Contributing writer Rodney Kennedy writes that we will never understand conservative evangelicals until we understand the theological construction of the dominant trope that "Democrats are devils." This has become the most successful propaganda campaign in American politics.
More Than Mere Words
This issue of A Public Witness explores three examples of impactful denominational resolutions to show why it matters when Christians decide to speak with one voice. The model resolutions include two statements decrying the historic mistreatment of Indigenous peoples and a resolution about the war
The Evangelical Double-Tongue of Hypocrisy
Contributing writer Rodney Kennedy tackles the theological and rhetorical problem of dealing with speakers who will say one thing today and another tomorrow and whose words and actions are contradictory. Until we can put language and actions together as a consistent performance, we will struggle
Matthew Boedy on Charlie Kirk
In episode 47 of Dangerous Dogma, Matthew Boedy, a professor of rhetoric and composition at the University of North Georgia, talks about Charlie Kirk and Turning Point USA..
The Return of the Calamity Howlers
Contributing writer Rodney Kennedy makes the case that much of what we are seeing in politics today can be traced back to the late 19th century populists known as the calamity howlers. Only this time the chief howler is not a rural farmer but a
A Response to Ken Ham
Contributing writer Rodney Kennedy responds to Ken Ham's criticism of one of his Word&Way articles. He uses this as an opportunity to explore Ham's rhetorical strategies and how much they reveal about both him and the universe of far-right Christians.