Thoughtful writing at the intersection of faith, public service, and constitutional principles.
How does classical theism differ from process theology? A side-by-side comparison of divine simplicity, omnipotence, immutability, creation ex nihilo, and the God-world relationship.
What did Cyril of Alexandria teach about the light shining in the darkness? Exploring his Commentary on John, divine inviolability, and human vulnerability.
What do the Dead Sea Scrolls reveal about Jewish apocalypticism? A study of the Community Rule, the War Scroll, the light-darkness dualism of Qumran, and how it connects to the New Testament.
Everything you need to know about JASOC—the Air Force Judge Advocate Staff Officer Course at Maxwell AFB. Schedule, curriculum, and firsthand tips from a former JAG officer.
What is Gnosticism? A Catholic guide to proto-Gnostic currents, the 2nd-century systems, the Nag Hammadi texts, and the Church Fathers' response through canon, creed, and doctrine.
What is process theology? A clear introduction to Whitehead's process philosophy, dipolar theism, panentheism, and how process theology differs from classical Christian theism.
What is Augustine's massa damnata? This essay examines the doctrine of the condemned mass, its biblical roots, its role in the Thomist-Molinist debate, and its continuing significance for Catholic theology of grace and predestination.
A comprehensive guide to church history covering the ecumenical councils, the Great Schism, the Reformation, and the development of Christian doctrine — from a Yale Divinity graduate.
What is comparative theology? A Catholic introduction to the method, with examples from Catholic-Orthodox and Catholic-Protestant dialogue.
What is it like to be a conservative at a liberal seminary? A Yale MDiv graduate shares lessons from three years as one of the few conservatives at Yale Divinity School.
A comprehensive guide to estate planning in Arkansas covering wills, trusts, probate, inheritance, and tax strategies — written by an Arkansas attorney.
Is Yale Divinity School liberal? A Yale MDiv graduate examines the Buckley Institute data, shares firsthand experience, and answers the most common questions about YDS.
A former JAG officer with six years of service breaks down what's actually wrong with the military justice system, why Hegseth's diagnosis is correct, and what real JAG Corps reform should look like.
Yale Divinity School has zero Republican faculty. The Buckley Institute's 2026 report confirms what one conservative MDiv graduate saw firsthand. Here's what the data shows.
What does John 1:5 mean? A study of the Greek—the present tense of φαίνει, the double meaning of κατέλαβεν, and the already/not yet of eschatology.
From 36,000 members to under 14,000—what happened to the Jesuits? A historically grounded Catholic assessment of the Society of Jesus's decline.
Complete Army DCC guide: fitness standards, packing lists, week-by-week breakdown, and insider tips from a JAG officer who went through the course. Learn what to expect.
An interactive packing checklist for the Army's Direct Commission Course (DCC) at Fort Benning — documents, uniforms, personal items, training supplies, and prohibited items.
A comprehensive guide to the intellectual journey from evangelical Protestantism to Roman Catholicism — from sola scriptura to the Church Fathers, from faith alone to the fullness of Catholic tradition.
A comprehensive examination of the Catholic Counter-Reformation: the Council of Trent, the founding of the Jesuits, and the Church's response to the Protestant Reformation.
Can God know the future and humans still be free? The Catholic intellectual tradition offers robust answers through Thomism and Molinism. Here's how they work and why they matter.
What happens in an Orthodox Divine Liturgy? A guide to the structure, theology, and meaning of Eastern Christian worship.
A comprehensive Catholic guide to the theology of divine providence and free will. Covers Thomism, Molinism, open theism, process theology, divine simplicity, foreknowledge, and how the Catholic tradition reconciles God's sovereignty with human freedom.
A side-by-side comparison of the four major Christian models of divine providence: Thomism, Molinism, open theism, and process theology. How they differ on foreknowledge, freedom, sovereignty, and evil.
An exploration of divine simplicity—the doctrine that God is utterly simple, without composition or division. How this classical Catholic teaching shapes our understanding of God's nature and attributes.
Does God know the future? The Catholic Church teaches that God's knowledge is exhaustive, encompassing even the free acts of creatures. Here's what that means and why it matters.
What are the Eastern Catholic Churches? A comprehensive guide to the 23 sui iuris churches in communion with Rome — their history, liturgy, theology, and role in Catholic-Orthodox ecumenism.
Vatican I defined papal infallibility and primacy while defending faith against rationalism. Explore its two major constitutions, the context that prompted it, and its enduring significance for Catholic theology.
The Great Schism of 1054 divided Christianity into East and West. Explore the theological, political, and cultural causes — from the Filioque to papal authority — and why the split endures.
Gregory Boyd is arguably the most publicly visible advocate of open theism. A Catholic evaluation of his major works—God of the Possible, Satan and the Problem of Evil, and Is God to Blame?—and the theological vision they present.
Molinism and Thomism are the two great Catholic frameworks for reconciling divine sovereignty and human freedom. Are they truly incompatible, or can insights from both traditions be harmonized?
What is the Jesus Prayer and why is it central to Orthodox spirituality? Explore hesychasm, Gregory Palamas, and the prayer of the heart.
What is Molinism? An examination of Luis de Molina's doctrine of middle knowledge (scientia media), the De Auxiliis controversy, and how Molinism relates to Thomism, Calvinism, and Catholic teaching on predestination.
What is open theism? A Catholic evaluation of the open model of God, its scriptural case, philosophical arguments, and why it falls outside defined Catholic dogma.
How do open theism and Molinism differ on divine foreknowledge, human freedom, and providence? A Catholic comparison of two frameworks for understanding God's knowledge of the future.
Open theism and process theology both reject exhaustive divine foreknowledge, but they differ profoundly on creation, omnipotence, and God's nature. A Catholic comparison of these two critiques of classical theism.
A chapter-by-chapter summary of The Openness of God (1994) by Pinnock, Rice, Sanders, Hasker, and Basinger—the book that brought open theism to mainstream evangelical attention—with a Catholic evaluation of its arguments.
What is the difference between Oriental Orthodox and Eastern Orthodox churches? Explore the Council of Chalcedon, Christology, and reunion efforts.
A guide to the Eastern Orthodox liturgical calendar — the Twelve Great Feasts, fasting periods, Pascha, and how the Church sanctifies time.
How do Orthodox, Catholic, and Protestant Christians differ? A side-by-side comparison of theology, worship, authority, and sacraments.
New to Eastern Orthodoxy? A beginner's guide to Orthodox beliefs, worship, sacraments, and what makes the Orthodox Church unique.
Why do Orthodox and Catholic Easter fall on different dates? Explore the calendar, theology, and liturgical differences between Pascha and Easter.
A comprehensive guide to fasting in the Eastern Orthodox Church — the four major fasting periods, weekly fasts, dietary rules, and the spiritual theology behind Orthodox asceticism.
What are Orthodox icons and why do Eastern Christians venerate them? Explore the theology of icons, the iconoclasm crisis, and how icon veneration differs from idolatry.
What is Orthodox monasticism and why does it matter? Explore the Desert Fathers, Mount Athos, hesychasm, and the monastic ideal in Eastern Christianity.
What are the real differences between Orthodox and Catholic theology? A point-by-point comparison of papal authority, the Filioque, original sin, and sacraments.
How do Orthodox and Protestant Christians differ on Scripture, salvation, sacraments, and worship? A point-by-point theological comparison.
What is process theology? An examination of Whitehead's dipolar theism, panentheism, and the rejection of classical divine attributes—and why the Catholic Church cannot accept it.
What does Romans 9–11 really teach about election and predestination? This Catholic interpretation engages Thomism, Molinism, Calvinism, and Arminianism — the most comprehensive treatment online.
Definitions of key theological and philosophical terms in the debate over divine providence, foreknowledge, and free will: from actus purus to scientia media.
What is theosis? A comprehensive guide to the Christian doctrine of deification — from its biblical roots through the Church Fathers to its place in Orthodox and Catholic theology today.
Can a Christian lose their salvation? The Catholic Church teaches that mortal sin can sever one's relationship with God — but that grace can always be restored through repentance.
How do Catholic and Calvinist views of predestination differ? A comparison of Thomism, Molinism, and Reformed theology on election, grace, and free will.
Governor Sanders was asked to leave a Little Rock restaurant. This essay examines what the Croissanterie incident reveals about political hatred, tolerance, and the slow death of civic life in America.
What do John 1:3–4 mean in the Gospel of John? A close reading in the original Greek — the punctuation of ὃ γέγονεν, Incarnation as life in the Word, and Chalcedonian Christology.
What does the Catholic Church teach about salvation for non-Catholics and non-Christians? An examination of Lumen Gentium §14-16, extra ecclesiam nulla salus, and invincible ignorance.
Understand Pelagianism vs. semi-Pelagianism: why both heresies were condemned, their impact on theology, and what they teach about grace and salvation.
How William F. Buckley Jr. and Frank Meyer unified traditionalists, libertarians, and anti-communists into a movement—and whether that coalition can hold in the age of populism.
A firsthand account of the William F. Buckley Jr. Program at Yale—what it does, why it matters, and what it's like to be a conservative Fellow on a campus that would rather you weren't.
What happened at the First Council of Nicaea in 325 AD? A Catholic examination of the Arian crisis, the meaning of homoousios, and why the Nicene Creed still defines Christian orthodoxy.
A personal reflection on William F. Buckley Jr.'s God and Man at Yale—what it got right and why its core argument is more relevant now than in 1951.
A scholarly glossary of key Greek terms in John 1:1–18 — Logos, theos, sarx, doxa, and more — with theological significance for understanding the Prologue.
Five major heresies misread John 1: Arianism, Modalism, Adoptionism, Ditheism, and Docetism. Learn what each taught, where they went wrong, and how the Church's response was anchored in the text.
Explore the Catholic understanding of the imago Dei, human dignity, and our calling as beings created in God's image through Scripture, the Fathers, and Vatican II.
Is Jesus God? A biblical and theological examination of the deity of Christ, from New Testament texts through the Councils, addressing common objections and theological implications.
A Buckley Fellow reflects on God and Man at Yale, dinner with Rich Lowry, and why intellectual conservatism matters more than ever.
What is the Holy Trinity? A Catholic explanation of one God in three persons — the scriptural foundations, Nicene doctrine, and why it matters for the Christian life.
The theological foundations of conservative thought—from natural law to human dignity—and why conservatism without Christianity is a house built on sand.
The case for engaging the strongest progressive arguments rather than caricaturing them—drawn from Buckley's example, Mill's logic, Aquinas's method, and three years at Yale Divinity School.
How to become an Army officer: compare West Point, ROTC, OCS, and DCC. Eligibility, duration, cost, and which path is right for your military career.
A comprehensive guide to becoming an Army JAG officer—from application and selection boards to the Direct Commission Course, JAG school, and your first duty station.
A detailed comparison of the Army's Direct Commission Course (DCC) and Officer Candidate School (OCS)—eligibility, duration, career fields, and which path fits your goals.
What does John 1:2 mean? A close reading in the original Greek — why the repetition guards against Modalism and polytheism, and what it reveals about God.
What is Modalism? A Catholic examination of the heresy that denied the real distinction of Father, Son, and Spirit — its origins, key proponents, and why the Church condemned it.
Apollinarius of Laodicea denied that Christ had a human rational mind, replacing it with the divine Logos. Gregory of Nazianzus's devastating reply—'what is not assumed is not healed'—sealed the condemnation at Constantinople I (381).
What does bara mean? The Hebrew word for create explained: Genesis 1:1, theological significance, and why it matters for creation theology. Scholar guide.
The wedding at Cana and the crucifixion share extraordinary parallels — drink, thirst, the hour, and the mother of Jesus. These connections are the key to understanding John's Gospel.
A fair, sourced comparison of the major interpretations of Genesis 1—from Young Earth Creationism to the Cosmic Temple view, with Catholic teaching.
Start reading John Walton's Lost World series with confidence. A complete guide covering all six volumes, summaries, reading order, and key theological themes.
The Meletian Schism divided the Egyptian church over lapsed Christians during the Diocletian persecution. Learn how it shaped the Council of Nicaea's Canon 6 and intersected with Arianism.
Jesus addresses Mary as 'woman' at Cana and from the cross — a choice that puzzles modern readers. Here's what the Greek actually means and why it matters for understanding John's Gospel.
Jesus bypassed his own brothers to commend his mother to the Beloved Disciple. This wasn't just filial care — it was a theological act that reshaped how we read John's Gospel.
From the mother of Jesus to Mary Magdalene, women play a more prominent role in John's Gospel than in any other. Here's a comprehensive analysis of every major female figure in the Fourth Gospel.
A deep dive into John 1:1 in the original Greek—the Logos, Colwell's rule, Nicene consubstantiality, and why this verse is the whole Gospel.
A Catholic verse-by-verse commentary on the Prologue to John's Gospel (John 1:1–18) — exploring the Greek text, Trinitarian theology, and the Church's doctrinal tradition.
A review of Catherine Cornille's Meaning and Method in Comparative Theology — her framework for studying other religions faithfully without syncretism.
In this post in my series “God and Man at Yale Divinity I share my paper on...
How Joseph Ratzinger's writings on doubt cultivate Christian humility—and why the humble submission of doubt to faith is more honest than relativism.
What does 1 Timothy 2:4 mean for Catholic theology? A reflection on Catechism §74, predestination, free will, and God's universal desire for salvation.
The God we see in the Old Testament is only partially revealed. In Christ, that slow, progressive revelation came to fruition, and there is no additional...
First and foremost, the Catholic Church affirms that as God incarnate, Jesus Christ is the full revelation of God. Through Christ, God has said...
In this post in my series “God and Man at Yale Divinity I share my paper on...
What's the difference between inclusivism and pluralism? Understand how these competing theologies address salvation, religious diversity, and the role of Christ.
The stories of biblical heroes embody and consequently represent larger narratives about the various stages of revelation.
Humanity could only begin to grasp the mystery of the Trinity after millennia of previous gradual revelation.
In this article, I discuss whether contradictions and errors in Scripture affect the theological concept of inerrancy and whether we should redefine the...
What does divine condescension mean? Explore how God's loving condescension shapes revelation and grace. A Catholic theological reflection on God's gentle approach to humanity.
“Man is by nature and vocation a religious being…He lives a fully human life only if he freely lives by his bond with God.”
We can know God, but “since our knowledge of God is limited, our language about him is equally so.”
“In the historical conditions in which he finds himself, however, man experiences many difficulties in coming to know God by the light of reason alone.”
In this post, I discuss my sixth week in JASOC and my interaction with Air Force pilot culture.
Our desire to know God does not necessitate our accepting the object of our desire should he reveal himself. The hungry man may reject the food set...
America is the greatest country on earth, and shared patriotism can unite us across political divides. Why love of country still matters as a unifying theme.
If Pope Francis allows for married clergy, will it be a progressive or ultra-conservative move? Will the Pope be making a change or reverting to earlier...
Perhaps once a shared love of country bound us together, but now I fear we are fracturing between those who love this country and those who denigrate...
With these testing delays that are plaguing the country, I am left wondering what value these mass testings have.
Our salvation requires effort, our effort. This does not mean that our efforts save us, but rather is simply an admission that becoming who God would...
“Faith is man’s response to God, who reveals himself and gives himself to man, at the same time bringing man a superabundant light as he searches for the...
God is love, and the Catechism must be read in its entirety as the outworking of that divine love in the world.
We must awaken the courage that has defined the American ethos for generations, or we may forever lose the founder’s legacy.
In this post, I discuss proof-texting and the importance of considering each of the teachings of the faith as part of a unified whole.
In this post, I take a look at Catholic-Protestant relations in light of the Catholic Church’s organization of her own Catechism.
In this post, I discuss COVID-19, murder hornets, the joy that is 2020, and my optimism for the future.
In this post, I discuss how Protestants often set up the Protestant ideal against the Catholic reality and the logical failure of such arguments.
In this post, I continue my reflection on the Catechism of the Catholic Church, giving particular attention to the Church’s understanding of catechesis.
In this post, I continue my reflections upon the Catechism of the Catholic Church with particular reflection upon the existence of evangelical Catholic...
In this post, I begin working through and reflecting upon the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
In this post, I discuss my interactions to date with the Latin mass crowd.
In this post, I discuss those who would disown family members over political beliefs.
Why due process is the bedrock of American freedom — and what happens when we trade constitutional rights for political convenience.
In this post, I reflect upon Twitter toxicity and the worldview-warping nature of social media.
In this post, I write about sola scriptura and what started my journey toward the Catholic Church.
In this post, I write about my journey toward understanding forgiveness.
Council of Chalcedon explained: the pivotal 451 AD ecumenical council that shaped Christology, church politics, and the Great Schism. Scholarly deep-dive.
In this post, I discuss my fifth week in JASOC and some of the regret I still have about joining the Air Force.
An analysis of John 19:26-27 arguing that Mary, the mother of Jesus, served as a named source for the Gospel of John. Based on a paper from Yale Divinity School.
In this post, I discuss married priests and distinguish between innovations and de-innovations within the Roman Catholic Church.
In this post, I consider whether Eastern Orthodoxy, according to its own teachings, should exist in the West at all.
What is Hellenistic Christianity? A complete guide to Eastern Orthodox theology, theosis, liturgy, sacraments, and the Church's ancient roots in Christian Hellenism.
In this post, I reflect on the inspiration of Scripture and what we mean when we say that the Bible is divinely inspired.
In this post, I discuss finally being able to get in the courtroom in the fourth week of JASOC.
In my interaction with militant nonbelievers, it has become apparent that, for many, atheism provides a false sense of intelligence.
The 'recovering evangelical' label has become a badge of honor—but does it hold up? A Catholic convert and former Southern Baptist pushes back on the exvangelical movement.
For believers trying to progress in the faith, it is critical that we fight the cynic within us.
Anyone paying attention to the media can see what we veterans already know: the military doesn’t trust its leadership.
The Simpsons seeks to find the elusive answer to the question, “What is a liberal?”
During this time of quarantine, I have had the opportunity to dialogue with some old-school anti-Catholic evangelicals, and it has left me wondering how...
In this post, I provide an overview of my theology as it stood in 2007. It serves as a good starting point for me as I reflect upon my faith journey over...
As life has hit the pause button amid this pandemic, I will choose to be grateful for what I have as we are all waiting to reopen.
This year, Ouachita Baptist University awarded the Garrett Ham Scholarship to Sara Patterson.
This post discusses the paper writing process without access to a library or even the ability to leave my house.
What follows is a review of Lamin Sanneh’s Disciples of All Nations: Pillars of World...
This post discusses the sudden implantation of pass/fail grading systems at Yale and the sense of entitlement surrounding it.
In this post, I discuss faux deference to the military and how it has warped the ability of military personnel and veterans to interact with society.
This post discusses the beginning of the Zoom era at Yale and how managing the COVID fallout has given birth to a new Ivy League experience.
In this post, I discuss why I think students on elite college campuses seem angry all the time.
In this post, I discuss COVID, its ramifications on Yale’s campus, and the new normal after the end of spring break.
Botched investigations, missing constitutional safeguards, and a sexual assault crisis — a JAG veteran explains why military justice reform must go further than removing commanders from prosecution decisions.
The relationship between the military and the elite has evolved significantly over the years and not for the better.
In this post, I discuss the first week of spring break, the Buckley seminar, and the start of the Coronavirus pandemic.
As I begin to grow comfortable at Yale, I am becoming more aware of the Ivy League façade that masks much of the mundane and unpolished aspects of elite...
As the semester begins to progress, I have started making summer plans, largely settling on taking additional classes back home in Arkansas.
In this post in my series “God and Man at Yale Divinity I discuss the sixth...
I dined with National Review editor Rich Lowry after his Yale Buckley Program lecture on nationalism. Reflections on humility, plus his full lecture video.
In this post in my series “God and Man at Yale Divinity I discuss the fourth...
A Yale Divinity School student shares first-hand experiences with study abroad programs, interdepartmental courses, world-famous instructors, and more.
In this post in my series “God and Man at Yale Divinity I discuss the second...
In this post in my series “God and Man at Yale Divinity I discuss the...
In my final post of the Fall 2019 semester at Yale Divinity School, I reflect upon grades at Yale and the end of my first semester here. This content...
JASOC Week 3: Master military administrative discharge procedures, board processes, and insider tips from an Air Force JAG officer. Learn what to expect.
In this post in my series “God and Man at Yale Divinity I wrap up the semester...
In this post in my series “God and Man at Yale Divinity I discuss my thirteenth...
A Yale Divinity student's firsthand reaction to the 2019 Harvard-Yale football game protest — the climate demands, the virtue signaling, and what it reveals about elite campus culture.
A weekly update from Yale Divinity School — progress on final papers, preparing for exams, visiting the Yale Art Gallery's Dura-Europos exhibit, and thoughts on the curriculum.
In this post in my series “God and Man at Yale Divinity I discuss my eleventh...
A conservative student's firsthand account of oppression culture at Yale Divinity School—the fetishization of victimhood, the woke scold minority, and the silent reasonable majority.
How both evangelical and progressive Christianity have absorbed Gnostic tendencies—rejecting the body in different ways while departing from historic Christian teaching.
A Yale Divinity School student reflects on PhD aspirations, academic grading, and the top doctoral programs in New Testament and religious studies worth pursuing.
In this post in my series “God and Man at Yale Divinity I discuss the social...
In this post in my series “God and Man at Yale Divinity I discuss my first...
In this post in my series “God and Man at Yale Divinity School I discuss my...
In this post in my series “God and Man at Yale Divinity I discuss my sixth...
Is Yale Divinity liberal? Yes. But conservative students thrive. A candid account of being a conservative at Yale Divinity School and finding your place there.
In this post in my series “God and Man at Yale Divinity I discuss my fourth...
How I used the Post-9/11 GI Bill to attend Yale Divinity School — tuition, Yellow Ribbon, housing allowance, and what veterans should know about Ivy League graduate programs.
An Air Force JAG officer's firsthand account of JASOC — the Judge Advocate Staff Officer Course at Maxwell AFB. Covers exercises, moot courts, military justice training, and what to expect.
In this post in my series “God and Man at Yale Divinity I discuss my second week...
What the first week of Yale Divinity School is really like — classes, community, and culture shock. A veteran's firsthand account of the M.Div. program.
In this post, I describe BTFO Before the Fall Orientation at Yale Divinity School.
The complete writing sample from a successful Yale Divinity School M.Div. application. Drafted from scratch after seven years out of school — with tips on what Yale expects.
See a real seminary application essay that worked. Full personal statement from a successful Yale Divinity School M.Div. acceptance with writing tips.
Complete Yale Divinity School guide: how to apply, personal statement, GI Bill benefits, financial aid, acceptance, and thriving in the M.Div. program.
Your guide to JAOBC/JASOC Week 1: the Air Force Judge Advocate Staff Officer Course. See the schedule, military justice curriculum, and what to expect.
A former Air Force Captain shares an honest review of the JAG Corps—JASOC training, base legal office duties, military justice, and whether it's worth joining.
Ouachita Baptist University named Mattie Dodson the 2019 Garrett Ham Scholar. Learn about her research in Italy and the scholarship's mission.
A review of John Walton's The Lost World of Genesis One—ancient Near Eastern cosmology reframes Genesis 1 as an account of functional origins, not material creation. Includes analysis of competing views.
Ouachita Baptist University named Colton Sims and Cole Jester the 2018 Garrett Ham Scholars. Learn about the scholarship, their honors research, and how to apply.
A critical review of Greg Boyd's Crucifixion of the Warrior God. Boyd's cruciform hermeneutic is promising, but does his reading undermine Scripture's reliability?
Why probable cause is a binding standard in military justice — not a suggestion — and why prosecutors who ignore it commit legal malpractice. A JAG officer's memorandum.
Taylor Bascue is one of a number promising students at Ouachita Baptist University. Watch the video below for more information.
At its annual awards reception, the Carl Goodson Honors Program at Ouachita Baptist University named...
Learn how the cy pres doctrine allows courts to modify charitable trusts and nonprofits, plus the rules governing nonprofit dissolution and asset distribution.
In this post, I discuss some considerations when founding a nonprofit organization, including choosing the organization’s form.
In this post, I discuss the basics of nonprofit organizations, why they are necessary, and the essential role they play in our society.
Greg Boyd’s Is God to Blame? challenges the blueprint worldview and argues that Jesus, not Augustine or Calvin, should define how Christians think about suffering.
In this post, I discuss the doctrine of purgatory and argue that it has a legitimate place with an evangelical Protestant understanding of salvation.
Paul's atonement theology in Romans 5 goes beyond Anselm's satisfaction theory. Explore the Christus Victor model and why Christ's entire life — not just his death — matters for salvation.
At its annual awards reception, the Carl Goodson Honors Program at Ouachita Baptist University named...
Catholic and Protestant views of Scripture's authority are remarkably similar. The real disagreement is interpretive authority — the Magisterium versus individual or congregational reading.
Why the Catholic understanding of tradition is hard to explain to Protestants — and how to bridge the gap without starting an argument.
Catholics and Protestants share core beliefs about divine revelation and Christ as God's fullness. The real divide is whether discernment happens individually or within the Church.
In this post, I discuss how to talk to Protestants about authority from a Catholic perspective to increase mutual understanding.
Much Protestant-Catholic animosity stems from semantic differences rather than real theological disagreements. A Protestant explores common ground and the path toward Christian unity.
Does everything happen for a reason? Examining the tension between divine sovereignty, free will, and suffering—and why God is not the author of evil.
In this post, I discuss military crimes as a distinct system of criminal law and the general structure of the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
Christianity is inherently communal — claiming faith while rejecting church membership contradicts the New Testament vision of believers as the body of Christ, not isolated individuals.
In this post, I discuss the specialized rules of professional conduct governing judge advocates practicing law in the military.
What does it really mean to keep Christ in Christmas? On the Greek origins of 'Xmas,' the culture wars, and what believers are actually called to do.
In this post, I discuss the unique rules of professional responsibility imposed on judge advocates practicing within a military context.
How the court-martial process works — from charges and Article 32 hearings to trial, sentencing, and post-conviction review. A JAG veteran explains.
In this post, I discuss unlawful command influence and the issue it poses for the military justice system.
In this post, I provide an overview of the unique characteristics of the military court system, including its trial and appellate courts.
In this post, I discuss how the Arkansas Supreme Court is fighting frivolous lawsuits by sanctioning those who file frivolous appeals.
From the Articles of War to the UCMJ — how the military justice system evolved from the Revolutionary War to today. Written by a JAG veteran.
In this post, I address some common misunderstandings regarding the Supreme Court’s recent Hobby Lobby decision and its holding on religious liberty.
In this post, I discuss the stay pending appeal and how it can prevent the enforcement of a judgment until the final resolution of the appeal.
In this post, I discuss certified questions of law and the interaction between various state and federal courts in the Arkansas appellate process.
In this post, I discuss the mandate in the Arkansas appellate process and its usefulness in enforcing the result of an appeal.
In this post, I discuss the record on appeal, what is required, and the important role it plays in the Arkansas appellate practice.
In this post, I discuss the place of oral arguments in Arkansas appellate practice, including when they may occur and when they may not.
In this post, I discuss amici curiae briefs, what they are, and the influence they may possess within the Arkansas appellate process.
In this post, I discuss the deadline to file the record on appeal and the requirements imposed by the appellate court.
In this post, I discuss the various deadlines for filing an appeal in Arkansas.
In this post, I discuss how to file a civil appeal in the State of Arkansas.
In this post, I discuss how to secure a copyright protection for your original works.
At its annual awards reception, the Carl Goodson Honors Program at Ouachita Baptist University named...
In this post, I discuss how to conduct a copyright search to discover what works have taken advantage of the protections of registration.
In this post, I discuss the requirements for maintaining a trademark after registration, including the filing requirements to keep it protected.
The USPTO doesn't require an attorney for trademark applications, but errors can mean denial and lost fees. A lawyer can run searches, handle Office Actions, and protect your mark.
Trademarks protect goods while service marks protect services, but both receive identical legal protection. Correctly classifying your mark matters when filing with the USPTO.
The Copyright Act requires two copies of every published work to be deposited with the Library of Congress within three months — even if you don't register the copyright.
U.S. copyright law protects foreign works under nine specific conditions tied to the Berne Convention and treaty obligations. Registration is still recommended regardless.
[*](https://www.flickr.com/photos/evergreenkamal/384258821/in/photolist-aGsP14-7PozJp-84P71r-dphot9-ix8Rbz-eqHuv-6NP8d6-HdurS-aibaen-6buevW-7acJMF-8DFBf3-...
In this post, I discuss my experience during the tenth week of Army JAG School, which focused primarily on legal assistance.
In this post, I discuss my graduation from JAG School and entry into the Army JAG Corps.
In this post, I discuss week 9 of the Army’s JAG School and my introduction to ultimate football.
In this post, I discuss the administrative law block and week 8 of the Army’s JAG School.
Copyright Fair Use
In this post, I discuss international law and week 7 of the Army’s JAG School.
What is a copyright? Learn how the Copyright Act of 1976 protects original works and grants authors exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute, and display them.
In this post, I discuss my experience during week 6 of the Army JAG School, particularly the “brief the commander” exercise.
In this post, I discuss the contract and fiscal law curriculum during the fifth week of the Army’s JAG School.
In this post, I discuss my experience in Charlottesville, Virginia during week 4 of the Army JAG School.
In this post, I discuss the military justice block of instruction during week 3 of the Army JAG School.
In this post, I share my experience during the second week of the Army JAG School.
In this post, I share my experience during week 1 of the Army JAG School in Charlottesville, Virginia.
In this post, I share my final thoughts on initial Army JAG Corps training at the Army’s Direct Commission Course.
In this post, I describe judge advocate training during week 6 of the Army’s Direct Commission Course.
In this post, I discuss the process and benefits of copyright registration and how it can provide greater protections to your intellectual property.
In this post, I discuss my experiences during week 5 of the Army’s Direct Commission Course, which focused heavily on convoy operations.
In this post, I discuss basic rifle marksmanship instruction during the fourth week of the Army’s Direct Commission Course.
In this post, I discuss the third week of the Army’s Direct Commission Course. This week focused on land navigation.
In this post, I discuss my experience during the second week of the Army’s Direct Commission Course, or DCC.
A JAG officer's firsthand guide to Week 1 of the Army's Direct Commission Course (DCC) at Fort Benning — packing lists, fitness standards, eligibility, and what's changed through 2026.
In this post, I discuss my preparation for initial Army JAG training.
Filing a notice of appeal in Arkansas requires six specific elements — from identifying the parties to ordering transcripts. Missing deadlines or elements can forfeit your appeal.
In this post, I discuss the petition for review in Arkansas appellate law.
The Arkansas Supreme Court has original jurisdiction over constitutional cases, death penalty appeals, and attorney discipline. Other civil appeals go to the Court of Appeals.
After filing with the USPTO, your trademark application faces examiner review, possible office actions, and publication for opposition. The full process typically takes 12 to 18 months.
Trademarks protect brand names, copyrights protect original works, and patents protect inventions. Here's an overview of how each form of intellectual property works.
In this post, I discuss the process and requirements of registering your trademark, a great way to protect your intellectual property.
Arkansas Rule 2 lists 13 categories of circuit court decisions appealable as of right plus one discretionary category for privilege-related discovery disputes.
Agency law governs when one person has authority to act on behalf of another. Actual authority, apparent authority, ratification, and estoppel each create binding obligations.
In this post, I discuss agent liability to third parties. I further discuss the danger it poses to agents as they perform their duties.
[
Courts can disregard your LLC or corporation's liability protection when personal and business affairs are intermingled. Undercapitalization and ignoring formalities are key factors.
Allocation, basis, distributive share, and guaranteed payments are essential partnership tax concepts. Partners owe tax on allocated profits — not just distributions they actually receive.
Partnerships avoid double taxation by passing income through to partners. The IRS 'check the box' rules let unincorporated businesses choose their own tax classification.
In this post, I discuss the business judgment rule and the legal liability protections that it provides to company management.
An agent owes fiduciary duties of loyalty and care to the principal. In partnerships, these duties apply to every partner — and they cannot be waived by agreement.
In this post, I discuss the directors’ duty of loyalty to the company they manage and how this may interact with potential legal liabilities.
What is irrevocable agency? Learn why a power coupled with an interest cannot be revoked, how common law protects it, and when it applies to your situation.
An LLP shields partners from liability for each other's wrongful acts, making it popular for law firms and medical practices. Here's how LLPs compare to LLCs and corporations.
Limited partnerships separate management from investment — general partners run the business with personal liability while limited partners contribute capital with liability protection.
Shareholders can sue corporate management on behalf of the corporation through derivative suits. Standing requires contemporaneous ownership and a demand on directors first.
Shareholders own the corporation but directors wield the power. In public companies, directors are not obligated to follow shareholder wishes — elections are the main recourse.
In this post, I discuss the agency relationship. I particularly discuss how both to create and terminate such relationships.
In this guest post, Matthew Brennan, a marketing writer writing on behalf of The Hays Firm, LLC in Chicago, discusses the...
Corporations distribute profits through cash and stock dividends, but insolvency rules limit when dividends can be paid. C Corporation dividends face double taxation at reduced rates.
In this post, I discuss the power of appointment and specifically discuss the difference between general and special powers.
[
Charitable trusts must benefit an indefinite class of the public and are exempt from the Rule Against Perpetuities. The cy pres doctrine lets courts modify purposes that become impossible.
A corporation is a separate legal entity that shields shareholders from personal liability but faces double taxation. S Corporation election offers pass-through tax treatment instead.
A good business lawyer helps entrepreneurs achieve their goals through risk mitigation — not by simply saying no. The attorney's role is to find workable paths forward.
Creating a trust requires intent, a transfer of property, and identifiable beneficiaries. For real property, a written instrument is necessary. Here's what the process involves.
Family limited partnerships reduce estate tax through valuation discounts on gifted interests that lack control and marketability — even without a family business to protect.
In this post, I discuss family limited partnerships and the potential tax benefits they may offer for business and estate planning alike.
What happens when a will beneficiary dies before the testator? Learn how anti-lapse statutes, class gifts, and contingent beneficiaries work.
In this guest post, Lauren Hillier, an employment lawyer at Slater & Gordon Lawyers in the United Kingdom, discusses vacation policy in her country. This...
In this post, I provide an introduction to trusts, how they work, their benefits, and some of their basic attributes that make them valuable tools.
Trustees owe seven fiduciary duties including loyalty, prudence, and impartiality. The No Further Inquiry Rule makes self-dealing a strict liability violation regardless of fairness.
In this post, I discuss the popular idea of the video will, separating fact from fiction to discuss when such a will can serve a valid purpose.
When bequeathed property changes before death, ademption and abatement rules determine what your heirs actually receive. Understanding these doctrines prevents inheritance surprises.
A general overview of the Arkansas probate process, from opening an estate to final distribution and closing.
In this guest post, James Faulkner, a specialist legal copywriter from the United Kingdom, discusses the differences in United Kingdom and United States...
In a previous post I discussed the role life insurance can play in an estate plan. In...
In a previous post I discussed the proper mental capacity required to form a valid will. If the...
A will is often the easiest way to ensure that your property is disposed of in accordance with your wishes after death. Not everyone, however, may draft a...
In previous posts, I discussed grounds for will contests, including lack of mental capacity undue...
In this post, I discuss the public notice requirement imposed by the probate process.
In this post, I discuss small estate probate in Arkansas, a streamlined probate process that bypasses some of the normal probate headaches.
In this post, I discuss the ability of the dead to affect the behavior of the living, sometimes known as the problem of the dead hand.
Learn the legal methods for revoking a will, including revocation by subsequent writing, physical destruction, and dependent relative revocation.
In this post, I discuss ambiguous wills, the difficulties they cause in distributing property, and how courts try to handle these situations.
In most circumstances, inheritance planning is relatively straightforward, particularly where you want to leave your property to your surviving children....
In this post, I discuss and explain the various different parts of a will and their importance when drafting your will.
Killing the testator or disclaiming your inheritance are the two main bars to inheriting under a will. Three different legal approaches address the slayer rule across jurisdictions.
In this post, I discuss the charitable remainder unitrust, the estate planning benefits it offers, and how it can provide you income now.
In this post, I discuss some techniques for estate planning with life insurance, the benefits it can offer, and how it can help address estate tax...
In this guest post, Howard Iken a divorce attorney in Orlando,...
A revocable living trust becomes irrevocable at the settlor's death and operates outside probate. Trust administration and probate run simultaneously but independently.
A Qualified Personal Residence Trust transfers your home to heirs at a reduced gift tax value while you continue living in it. Learn how QPRTs work.
GRATs and GRUTs let you transfer property to heirs at reduced gift tax values. Learn how these grantor retained trusts work for estate planning.
Whole life, term life, and universal life insurance each serve different estate planning purposes. Policy proceeds can be included in your taxable estate depending on ownership structure.
A Grantor Retained Income Trust (GRIT) transfers property out of your taxable estate while you retain its income — a useful estate and gift tax planning strategy.
Charitable remainder trusts, pooled income funds, and gift annuities can reduce your estate tax while supporting causes you care about. Here's how each planned giving strategy works.
In this post, I discuss the charitable donation deduction, its limitations, and how knowledge of this information can help you with your tax planning.
Learn how gifts of partial interests to charity can qualify for tax deductions, including remainder interests, fractional shares, and conservation easements.
Donating appreciated property to charity avoids capital gains tax and provides an income tax deduction. Bargain sales offer a middle ground between full gifts and full sales.
In this post, I discuss qualified charitable deductions for purposes of the income and estate taxes and how they can help lower your tax bill.
In this post, I define a skip person for purposes of the generation-skipping transfer tax and explain how to determine if a property transfer recipient qualifies.
Congress enacted the generation-skipping transfer tax to close a loophole where wealthy families avoided estate tax by transferring assets directly to grandchildren. Three events trigger it.
The Uniform Transfer to Minors Act lets you transfer property to a child through a custodian — here's how it works and the gift, estate, and income tax implications.
In this post, I discuss the grantor trust and the potential estate planning benefits it can offer.
529 plans offer tax-free growth for education expenses through prepaid tuition or savings accounts. A special gift tax rule lets you front-load five years of contributions at once.
A Crummey Trust qualifies gifts for the annual gift tax exclusion by granting beneficiaries a temporary withdrawal right. Crummey Letters and the 5-by-5 lapse rule are key mechanics.
When a surviving spouse is not a U.S. citizen, the marital deduction is unavailable. A Qualified Domestic Trust (QDOT) defers estate taxes until the spouse's death.
In this post, I discuss the irrevocable living trust and the advantages it can provide as part of a comprehensive estate plan.
In this post, I discuss the process of establishing an adult guardianship, particularly for family members who are unable to care for themselves.
Qualified Terminable Interest Property (QTIP) Trust
In this post, I discuss tenancy by the entirety, a common way married couples own property together, and the asset protection benefits it may provide.
HIPAA restricts access to your health records and once barred insurers from denying coverage for preexisting conditions. A HIPAA release complements your living will.
A living will provides healthcare instructions if you become incapacitated. Combined with a healthcare power of attorney, it prevents situations like the Terri Schiavo case.
The Holographic Will
In this post, I discuss the durable power of attorney and the potential benefits that it can offer.
A power of attorney authorizes someone to act on your behalf — including selling property and taking out loans. General vs. limited POAs carry very different risks.
In this post, I discuss the pros and cons of a living trust, particularly the benefits and drawbacks it offers as part of your estate plan.
Per capita divides an estate equally among surviving heirs. Per capita at each generation splits it equally at each level. Learn how both methods work and compare to per stirpes.
What does per stirpes mean? Understand the difference between classic and modern per stirpes, why it matters for your will, and when to use it in estate planning.
Arkansas requires two independent witnesses and a notary for valid will execution. A self-proving affidavit streamlines probate by eliminating the need to locate witnesses later.
Your will doesn't need to list every asset you own. The residuary estate catches everything else — and naming a residuary beneficiary prevents intestacy surprises.
In this post, I discuss the anti-lapse statute, how it affects a bequest to someone who predeceases you, and how it can save an impossible will...
In this post, I discuss the steps Arkansas requires to disinheriting children. It’s not as easy a simply leaving a child out of your will.
The federal estate tax applies to estates exceeding the exclusion amount after deductions for spousal transfers and charitable gifts. Portability lets spouses share unused exemptions.
In this post, I discuss how the gifts you make may result in a large tax bill, courtesy of the federal gift tax, and how this backstops the estate tax.
In this post, I discuss the different types of Title II weapons as defined by the National Firearms Act, including machine guns.
What is a living trust and do you need one? An Arkansas attorney explains how living trusts work, their benefits, and when they make sense.
In this post, I discuss the parental power of attorney and how parents can use it to help provide for their children’s needs.
In this post, I discuss how a family limited partnership, or FLP, can be used to reap large estate and gift tax savings and why it’s become so popular.
The Supreme Court struck down NFA registration on Fifth Amendment grounds in Haynes v. United States. Congress responded by rewriting the registration framework in 1968.
A family limited partnership lets a business owner transfer wealth to heirs while retaining full management control as general partner — separating financial interest from authority.
Holographic wills and online services exist, but DIY wills risk invalid formalities and unintended distributions. Here's when hiring an estate planning attorney is worth it.
Gun Trusts
The National Firearms Act of 1934 imposed excise taxes and registration on machine guns, short-barreled weapons, and suppressors. The 1986 Hughes Amendment banned new machine guns.
Ouachita Baptist University recently featured me in its “Ouachita Grads Make a Difference” series. In it, they spotlight my work since graduating in...
Part 2 on Arkansas LLCs covers member-managed vs. manager-managed governance, operating agreement essentials, and why pass-through taxation makes LLCs attractive but requires planning.
An LLC shields members' personal assets from business debts after filing Articles of Organization with the state. Improper formation can expose you to full personal liability.
Sole proprietorships and general partnerships expose your personal assets to unlimited liability. Learn why entrepreneurs should choose LLCs instead.
In this post, I discuss the ramifications of parents’ dying without a will.
Get new writing on faith, law, and service delivered to your inbox.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
