Nathanael Blake
Fellow
Nathanael Blake, Ph.D. is a Fellow in the Life and Family Initiative at the Ethics and Public Policy Center. His research interests include American political theory, Christian political thought, and the intersection of natural law and philosophical hermeneutics. His published scholarship has included work on Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Hans-Georg Gadamer, Alasdair MacIntyre, Russell Kirk and J.R.R. Tolkien.
Nathanael Blake, Ph.D. is a Fellow in the Life and Family Initiative at the Ethics and Public Policy Center. His research interests include American political theory, Christian political thought, and the intersection of natural law and philosophical hermeneutics. His published scholarship has included work on Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Hans-Georg Gadamer, Alasdair MacIntyre, Russell Kirk and J.R.R. Tolkien.
Dr. Blake grew up in the Pacific Northwest, and received an undergraduate degree in microbiology with a chemistry minor from Oregon State University. After working as a writer and editor in the pro-life movement, he enrolled in graduate studies at the Catholic University of America, earning a doctorate in political theory. His dissertation was titled: “Natural Law and History: The Use and Abuse of Practical Reason.” Blake was a Richard M. Weaver Fellow of the Intercollegiate Studies Institute and taught American Government at Wheeling Jesuit University.
As a cultural commentator, Dr. Blake has published hundreds of articles at outlets including Public Discourse, World Opinions, The Federalist, The Catholic World Report, and National Review. His first book, Victims of the Revolution: How Sexual Liberation Hurts Us All, is forthcoming from Ignatius Press in Spring 2025.
An evangelical Christian, Blake helps lead worship at his church—he particularly enjoys playing old hymns on double bass.
Solidarity or autonomy?
Nathanael Blake
Liberalism sacrifices the first for the sake of the second.
Articles
WORLD Opinions / October 17, 2024
‘Rings Of Power’ Season Two Isn’t Even Worth Hate Watching
Nathanael Blake
The show’s creators squandered a chance to make a television masterpiece because they were lazy, arrogant, and utterly lacking in affection for their work.
Articles
The Federalist / October 14, 2024
Oregon recriminalizes hard drugs
Nathanael Blake
The state discovered that legalization did not lead to “help instead of handcuffs.”
Articles
WORLD Opinions / September 18, 2024
‘Rings of Power’ Season 2 Doesn’t Take Tolkien Or Storytelling Seriously
Nathanael Blake
Ultimately, the show’s failure is not just in infidelity to the source material but also in storytelling for adults.
Articles
The Federalist / September 6, 2024
Made, not begotten: Why we said “No!” to in vitro fertilization
Nathanael Blake
We should not expect much courage from politicians, but Christians are called to bear witness to the truth, regardless of what opinion polls show. And the truth is that IVF is wrong.
Articles
The Catholic World Report / August 29, 2024
Politicians Won’t Fix America’s Child Deficit, But Churches Can
Nathanael Blake
Regardless of whom voters choose in November, they are already issuing a vote of no confidence in the future by refusing to beget people to live in it.
Articles
The Federalist / August 26, 2024
Pro-Life Peril and Hope
Nathanael Blake
Pro-lifers must be clear-eyed about the danger our movement is in, wise and unwearied in our political response, and hopeful despite the darkness of our culture.
Articles
The Public Discourse / August 8, 2024
No Surprise, David French Completely Botches J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord Of The Rings
Nathanael Blake
J.R.R. Tolkien did not write a story about why power is evil but about why domination is evil.
Articles
The Federalist / August 6, 2024
Instead Of Taking On The Billion-Dollar Trans Industry, The Los Angeles Times Attacks Its Victim,…
Nathanael Blake
‘Gender transition’ advocates are monsters, mutilating children for money, but their former victims are finding the strength to fight back.
Articles
The Federalist / July 30, 2024
“False Flag” explains the radical, evil goals of queer politics
Nathanael Blake
Western society is being erased by the purposeful destabilization of the institution that creates society: the natural family.
Articles
The Catholic World Report / June 30, 2024