John G. West Political Scientist and Cultural Critic

John G. West

Author, Filmmaker, and Cultural Commentator

Ideas can enslave people, and ideas can make people free. Ideas can close our minds to the obvious, or open our eyes to vistas previously unimagined. Ideas shape our world, and my life is devoted to exploring the power of ideas in our politics, our culture, and our daily lives.

I am an author, scholar, filmmaker, and cultural commentator. I currently serve as Vice President of Discovery Institute and Managing Director of its Center for Science and Culture, which I co-founded with philosopher of science Stephen Meyer back in 1996. I also serve as Distinguished Scholar of American Government and Christian Civic Engagement at Cornerstone University.

My eclectic interests include the impact of science and scientism on culture; the principles of the American Founding; the importance of free speech and religious liberty; the role of faith in a free society; the films of Walt Disney; and the writings of C.S. Lewis. Thank you for taking time out of your busy day to explore my website.

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Endowed by Our Creator

In this timely book, political scientist John G. West explores the original meaning of the Declaration and shows how its propositions drew support from both the Bible and early modern science. He then documents how science was later misused to overturn the Declaration’s teaching on equality, subvert its understanding of liberty, and justify the creation of a technocratic state that regulates us from cradle to grave.

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More Films

TheLatest

The Makings of Americans

John G. West
June 20, 2026
4
Constitutionalism and the American Founding
As America approaches its 250th birthday on July 4, a debate is growing about what it means to be an American. Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch waded into the conversation last month by asserting in an interview that America is “a creedal nation.” According to Gorsuch, “what unites us is not a religion, it’s not a race, it’s a belief” in the ideals of the Declaration of Independence.

Intelligent Design at America’s Founding

John G. West
May 1, 2026
9
Constitutionalism and the American Founding
On July 4, the United States will celebrate the 250th anniversary of its Declaration of Independence. The Declaration’s words are majestic and inspiring. What many Americans may not realize is just how much they owe to an intelligent design understanding of the universe.

Justice Clarence Thomas just issued a warning every American needs to hear

John G. West
April 22, 2026
5
Constitutionalism and the American Founding
Just in time for America’s 250th birthday, Justice Clarence Thomas has ignited a national conversation about America’s founding principles. Christians in America should pay special attention because a lot is at stake. Many of the principles under discussion reflect a biblical worldview. Whether we revive or reject them may determine America’s future.

Are the Gospels like Hollywood movies that fictionalize history?

A New Testament scholar urges evangelicals to embrace a new view of the Bible. Here’s why I think that’s a bad idea.
John G. West
June 19, 2025
15
Religion, Liberty, and Civic Life
In my book Stockholm Syndrome Christianity, I critically examine the views of evangelical New Testament scholar Michael Licona on the historical accuracy of the gospels. I think some of his proposals are at variance with the historic Christian view of the Bible from the early church until the rise of modernism.

Discovery Institute