David Henkin explores the history and development of the week as a unit of time—the only one that has no basis in astronomical rhythms.
Arts & Culture
Posted inArts & Culture, Music
The story of ‘Carol of the Bells,’ a Christmas classic born in Ukraine
How is a song used in 100 holiday ads somehow connected to Ukraine? It turns out every carol that we sing at Christmas has a story behind it, some inspiring, some strange.
Posted inArts & Culture, Ideas
Community, humanity, surrender: 3 reasons why we need to go back to the movie theaters
Every movie is like a pilgrimage. It invites us into a journey with the promise of some holy destination, and a good one calls us to an appreciation of community.
Posted inArts & Culture, Catholic Book Club
Remembering priest and historian Thomas Shelley: ‘an intellectual who wished the church were more intellectual’
The Rev. Thomas J. Shelley, who died on Monday, taught generations of priests, men and women religious and lay scholars the ins and outs of Catholic history.
Posted inArts & Culture, Books
Review: The difference between ‘becoming like God’ and ‘playing God’? The virtues of humility and gratitude.
David McPherson’s new book on the importance of placing limitations on our ambitions and desires touches on existential, political, moral and economic questions.
Posted inArts & Culture, Theater
From ‘Death of a Salesman’ to ‘A Raisin in the Sun,’ theater explores the Black American dream
‘Death of a Salesman,’ ‘The Piano Lesson’ and ‘A Raisin in the Sun’ showcase the strivings for Black economic independence and self-determination.
Posted inArts & Culture, Television
Netflix’s ‘All Quiet on the Western Front’ is an unflinching portrayal of war’s terror
This “All Quiet on the Western Front” does not need special effects to hold its own. It is matter-of-fact, and that is its strength.
Posted inArts & Culture, Television
What the Lincoln Project’s flawed fight to defeat Trump can teach us about confession and penance
”I can’t say it’s not my fault,” says Lincoln Project co-founder Stuart Stevens. Really? Someone in American politics actually said that?
Posted inArts & Culture, Catholic Book Club
Christopher Lasch: the critic of American life beloved by traditionalist Catholics and Marxists alike
Christopher Lasch’s writings are cited by everyone from the most fervent cultural conservatives to dyed-in-the-wool Marxists—and he had much to say about modern American culture.