The War on Terrorism
The war now being fought by U.S. military forces in Iraq means that Saddam Hussein’s murderous reign is finished. And the recent capture of several senior Al Qaeda operatives gives hope that the terrorist network’s lifespan has been considerably shortened. But these developments do not m
Children of Great Price
“There is no economic incentive for a parent to devote full-time care to his or her own children at home,” complained a former student whom I hadn’t seen for 15 years. He was in my office seeking help with a job search. His résumé looked good: honors graduate of Loyol
Of Many Things
Of Many Things
Indonesia is a country most of us know only through the media, but a recent visit to America House by a member of the Religious of the Sacred Heart brought it into closer focus for me. Back for a home visit, Sister Nance O’Neil has been teaching in Jakarta for 14 years, at AtmaJaya University,
Letters
Letters
Just Unwise
George Weigel challenges me to rethink my position on the war (3/31). I find myself caught between the logic of his position and that of the pope’s. The war in Iraq in my estimation is an unwise war, but I find it difficult to discern whether it is or is not a just war.…
Editorials
Casualties at Home
At a rally in Cleveland last July, a few days after the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision upholding Cleveland’s school voucher program, President Bush remarked that when September 2002 came around, some 3.5 million children (most of them living in the shabbiest sections of big cities) would
Faith in Focus
On Being Gentle and Firm
About once a month here in Rome, I go to St. Peter’s and enter when the doors open at 7 a.m. It is awesome to gaze at the huge, empty basilica as the morning light filters through the windows. Lately I have found myself immediately drawn to the altar of Pope John XXIII, where an…
Portraying Dorothy Day
Portraying Dorothy Day on a stage would seem a challenge of formidable proportions in and of itself. But to do those portrayals in a series of makeshift settings, church sanctuaries and communal dining rooms—as well as on actual stages—raises the stakes of such a challenge. Sarah Melici
Books
Sweetness and Light
Ron Hansen’s new novel is a dollop of sweet cream, an entertainment, a sip of champagne, a screwball comedy, a romp, a bauble, a love letter to Nebraska.
Our Father
Following up on his popular Walking the Bible Bruce Feiler journalist and travel writer now presents his very personal exploration of monotheism rsquo s common patriarch in Abraham A Journey to the Heart of Three Faiths The importance of his topic mdash the identity and meaning of Abraham mdash
When Led by the Spirit?
In a period of cultural and religious change this book detects a revival of orthodoxy that offers a solution to the current religious turmoil Oden divides his treatment into two parts The first entitled ldquo The Gift of New Life rdquo deals with the present spiritual crisis in Christianity a
The Word
I’ll Take Care of It!
Today is traditionally known as Good Shepherd Sunday For many of us mention of sheep conjures up the image of a warm coat or the memory of a good meal We may remember the nursery rhyme ldquo Mary had a little lamb rdquo or the television hand puppet named Lambchop but very few of us…
Have You Anything Here to Eat?
The Gospels are filled with stories about Jesus sharing meals Each story tells us something more than that he was hungry Some of them illustrate his observance of Passover Lk 17 35 others depict him as a dinner guest at the homes of Simon the Pharisee or Jesus rsquo friend Martha Lk 7 36 10…
Columns
Flowers or Weeds?
I have been reflecting on dandelions lately. The reason is not merely that they are flourishing everywhere these days, but rather a conversation I overheard in a hospital gift shop recently. A little girl was asking her mother why she was buying flowers for her sick friend instead of giving her a bu
Faith
Portraying Dorothy Day
Portraying Dorothy Day on a stage would seem a challenge of formidable proportions in and of itself. But to do those portrayals in a series of makeshift settings, church sanctuaries and communal dining rooms—as well as on actual stages—raises the stakes of such a challenge. Sarah Melici
News
Signs of the Times
Vatican: Collapse of Regime Offers Opportunity for IraqAs Baghdad and other Iraqi cities fell to U.S.-led forces, the Vatican said the collapse of President Saddam Hussein’s regime was an opportunity for the Iraqi people and offered to help in the massive humanitarian task that lies ahead. At
Politics
Faith
Culture
Vatican
Scripture
Podcasts