Arts & Culture

We need to teach more Black literature in Catholic schools
By James M. Chesbro
Where do you find God in ‘non-religious’ music?
By Our readers
What Lil Wayne’s latest album tells us about Black death in 2020
By Jordan McDonald
Dante is remembered most for his depiction of hell. This sculptor wants us to remember heaven, too.
By Claire Giangravé - Religion News Service
See All From Arts & Culture
Book Reviews
Hilary Mantel’s case against St. Thomas More
By John Anderson
Review: The theology of sin
By Candida Moss
Scott Cairn’s poetry of immanence
By Michael Angel Martín
Review: Colson Whitehead and the long reach of trauma
By Ellen O'Connell Whittet
Looking for a good summer read? Check out these books by authors of color.
Recommendations from the editors of America magazine, plus some poetry too!
Vivian Cabrera,Maeve Orlowski-SchererJuly 8, 2020
Catholic Book Club

We need John Kennedy Toole’s ‘A Confederacy of Dunces’ now more than ever

Among the many clichés operative in Covid-time (“in these uncertain times,” “the new normal”), there is the sturdy cliché, “now more than ever.” Well, I think we need comedy now more than ever.
By Kevin Spinale

Thoughts on the Magdalene, Part 2

Another look at the story of Mary Magdalene and interpretations of her throughout history.
By Kevin Spinale
On Screen
Photo: Netflix
Netflix’s ‘The Midnight Gospel’ on the trap of spiritual materialism
I was caught off guard by the show’s artistic experimentation, nuanced spiritual message and deeply moving season finale.
Mike SeayJuly 17, 2020
Flannery O’Connor and her peacocks (photo: Joe McTyre)
‘Flannery’ profiles one of literature’s miracles
“Flannery” is an apologia for O’Connor but, like any good defense, it takes the position that she doesn’t need one.
John AndersonJuly 17, 2020
Michael Cimino as Victor Salazar in ‘Love, Victor’ on Hulu (photo: Hulu).
Can ‘Love Victor’ defy the stereotypes about growing up gay?
“Love, Victor” raises important questions about how same-sex desire is construed across religious and ethnic divides.
Stephen G. AdubatoJuly 10, 2020
The deep spirituality of ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’
A cartoon series from a decade ago proves to have profound lessons for today.
Maeve Orlowski-SchererJuly 2, 2020