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.

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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.

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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

Ticket to Oblivion?

George Weigel

“Liberalism in religion is the doctrine that there is no positive truth in religion, but that one creed is as good as another.”

Articles

Syndicated Column / June 19, 2024

IVF Is A Horrible Substitute For Real Reproductive Health

Nathanael Blake

A new bill would encourage treating the underlying health conditions that result in fertility problems, before pushing women into trying IVF.

Articles

The Federalist / June 19, 2024