Writer RespondsI read “Writers Blocked?” by Kaya Oakes (4/28), about Catholic writing today, with some bewilderment. While I agree with much of what she says, Ms. Oakes makes a number of odd or erroneous statements about my literary and cultural views. The oddest of all: “Gioia cal

True GreatnessI was surprised and grateful to read “Ford’s Foundation,” by Aaron Pidel, S.J. (3/31), about the true greatness of John C. Ford, S.J.When I was a young Jesuit in philosophy studies at Weston College, Father Ford helped me greatly to deal with a number of spi

Conscience IntegralWhile rightly sounding an alarm about the dangers of a growing secular culture antagonistic to deeply held religious values, “Our Secular Future,” by R. R. Reno (2/24), gives short shrift to the rights of conscience. “Liberty of Religion and of Conscience,”

Intersex RealityRe “When the Law Is a Crime” (Editorial, 3/10): In Jesus Christ there is no male or female (sexism), no Greek or Jew (ethnocentrism or religious sectarianism), no slave or free (classism) because all are one in Jesus Christ.There are countless species of life on earth in

Back to Basics“See the Person” is relevant and interesting. However, the four elements that “should mark a new stance toward homosexuals and homosexuality” are a bit complicated. Why not just return to the basics of seeing all persons whom God has created? The catechism says

Not Bound to ItPlease, dear editors of America, rummage around in the newsroom and find your style guide. Insert a blank sheet of paper and write on it, with a big black Sharpie, “Do not use the expression wheelchair-bound to describe individuals who use wheelchairs.”I had a hard time fi

Protestant PerspectiveI read the article with interest. In some areas, however, I have a different experience, and that difference brings a different evaluation of the current situation in American society.I was a military chaplain from 1975 to 1983. In my experience, Roman Catholic chaplains were g

Football Is Immoral“Fairness in Football” (Current Comment, 2/10) evoked a huge reaction in me. I have often questioned why Americans not only love football, but idolize it. It is our country’s favorite sport and religion.I have asked myself if viewing a football game is an accepta

Lack of ProgressRe “Talking Poverty” (2/3, Current Comment): I concede that the “war on poverty” resulted in programs that made poor Americans slightly more comfortable. They can get food stamps, medical care and a monthly check to keep their heads just above water. But that

Behind the ScenesFrom the perspective of a Catholic convert from evangelicalism, I think that “Worship at Willow Creek,” by Laurie Ziliak (2/3), chooses to focus only on the good in this worship style. What I and many others experienced was not all fun and songs.In many evangelical commu