Something Fishy about Lent
If you know your fish, you’ve likely heard of the Sarotherodon galilaeus galilaeus. Well, maybe not. This particular species is from the…
Mark Elfstrand
Cultural Affairs Writer
Writing for IFI since 2023 128 articles
Articles by Mark Elfstrand
Please…Throw No Beers
Ahhh…it’s February. It’s the month when we reach the half way point of winter. In Illinois, it’s hardly a cause for celebration.…
Get Out of Hell Free Card
How many of your friends and relatives would you think are headed for hell? How about coworkers or well known acquaintances? Where…
The Ugly Wife
Certainly one has a right to wonder why I would have such an offending title to this article on Rhonda’s and my…
A Worldview by Any Other Name is … Crucial
Illinois’ next U.S. Senator may already be decided by money and name recognition. But voters should be asking a deeper question: What…
Honoring the Voice of Truth: A Tribute to Monte Larrick
For more than a decade, Monte Larrick has been a trusted voice for Illinois Family Institute, faithfully serving as our Media Affairs…
Reflections on the Unexpected
Every year finds us scratching our heads as the world is reshaped by events we control and things we don’t. Thus 2025…
A Gift Beyond Description
Ho Ho Ho and a bottle of Tums! Isn’t that what Christmas shopping sometimes becomes? Crowds to avoid, internet sell outs, kids…
Charlie Brown was Right
The church we attend in Plainfield has chosen an interesting “theme” for the four weeks leading up to Christmas. No, it’s not…
Thanks, but No Thanks
How can a faith-centered person of influence (me) write such words in a season of thanksgiving? It’s not so far-fetched.
Shell Shocked on Vets Day
Yes, Veterans Day in 2025 will likely be remembered for military conflicts. Not the kind that claims human life. Instead, conflicts that…
No Kings. No Thieves.
Progressive activists claim to oppose “kings” — yet they stay silent as Illinois politicians seize more of our freedoms and finances. From…