Of Many Things
The Scandal of Knock: God can transform any nowhere into somewhere
Father Matt Malone, S.J., reflects on God’s grace can grace can transform nowheres into somewheres, and nobodies into somebodies.
Your Take
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Editorials
What church and civic leaders can and must do to fight anti-Semitism
Hate crimes, particularly directed at the Jewish community, are stubbornly persistent both worldwide and in the United States, the editors write.
The Editors: Evangelization, polarization and accountability among the most pressing issues for the U.S. church
As the U.S. bishops begin their meetings with Pope Francis, held every five years, here are some of the topics that need to be discussed.
Short Take
How the church in Australia is working to eradicate modern slavery
About 40 million people are now trapped by forced labor and human trafficking. John McCarthy explains how the church in Australia is “slavery-proofing” its procurement practices and supply chains.
Dispatches
A brief guide to volunteer service programs for Catholics
Where can you go? How much does it pay (or cost) to volunteer?
I’m a Jesuit in Lebanon. Here’s why I’m protesting with my brothers and sisters.
Conditions in Lebanon have been so bad for so long that most people seemed to have come to accept a profound level of government dysfunction. But this summer a series of difficulties—from wildfires raging across the countryside to a national shortage in fuel—highlighted the costs of government mismanagement and financial ineptitude.
Fewer than half of U.S. Latinos are Catholics, says one poll. How should the church respond?
Surveys show a long-term decline in U.S. Latinos identifying as Catholic, reports J.D. Long-García. The church is identifying ways to keep second- and third-generation immigrants in the pews.
Are there opportunities for more dialogue after Canada’s divisive election?
A minority government will make it more difficult for Trudeau’s Liberal Party to press its political agenda, but some see this as an opportunity for civic society actors: “Maybe this new situation loosens and opens things up for people to engage.”
Can Pope Francis’ ‘prophetic kiss’ protect the peace process in South Sudan?
As tensions rise again with the approach of a Nov. 12 deadline for the creation of a unity government, Bishop Kussala has a message for the conflict-weary people of South Sudan. “The church is here to stay,” he said. “We serve the people; we don’t run away.”
Features
Why non-Christian ‘seekers’ are trying spiritual direction
Just as there is a growing number of nones, there is also a growing interest in spiritual direction.
To all Catholic candidates for president: Thank Al Smith
Running for president in 1928, Al Smith argued it was possible to be both a good Catholic and a faithful servant of the American people, writes Terry Golway. Even in losing, he changed U.S. history.
Faith and Reason
Markets and global elites can’t fix the world’s problems
Anand Giridharadas comes to conclusions that are consonant with the works of Pope Francis and Pope Benedict XVI.
Faith in Focus
I donated my kidney to a stranger. The hardest part was people’s reaction.
The reactions generally fell into two camps: I was either completely crazy or a saint, both of which I knew to be untrue.
I promised to help my friend when she got out of prison. Then she got pregnant.
I knew she would ask me to make the arrangements. She knew I would help. I promised I would be there for her, no matter what. God forgive me.
Ideas
It’s time to do away with the idea of ‘parenting’
I do not mean that we need to stop having children. I mean that we need to stop engaging in the practices that have coincided with the widespread usage of “parent” as a verb.
Books
Review: The Greatest Showman on Earth
In ‘Barnum: An American Life,’ Robert Wilson, editor of The American Scholar, shows how P. T. Barnum morphed into (as he styled himself) “The Children’s Friend.”
Review: Short stories and the scandal of particular grace
The stories in David Means’s latest collection demand and deserve the reader’s full participation.
Two new books on salvation ask the ultimate question: Are you saved?
Two new books show that Christian approaches to salvation are not as monolithic as one might think.
Review: Why did so many Catholics leave after Vatican II?
What makes ‘Mass Exodus’ a must-read is careful attention to the qualitative analysis related to disaffiliation from the church.
Film
‘The Irishman’ Review: An epic look at death, sin and organized crime from Martin Scorsese
Scorsese is certainly the great Catholic filmmaker of our times, one who regards sin as something that must be confronted or even embraced in order to be understood.
Poetry
Tree of Life
Here are several ways to deal with pain
The Word
Hospitality Builds the Kingdom of God
John the Baptist’s example can inspire modern readers to speak truth to power.
This advent, prepare your heart (and adjust your vision)
To truly prepare during this Advent season, we must be guided by the light of Christ.
Last Take
Indigenous peoples are filling in the gaps in our Catholic faith
One of the richest philosophical traditions in human history has been ignored and even systematically persecuted: the broad family of indigenous philosophies.
Faith
Hospitality Builds the Kingdom of God
John the Baptist’s example can inspire modern readers to speak truth to power.
This advent, prepare your heart (and adjust your vision)
To truly prepare during this Advent season, we must be guided by the light of Christ.
Markets and global elites can’t fix the world’s problems
Anand Giridharadas comes to conclusions that are consonant with the works of Pope Francis and Pope Benedict XVI.
I donated my kidney to a stranger. The hardest part was people’s reaction.
The reactions generally fell into two camps: I was either completely crazy or a saint, both of which I knew to be untrue.
Why non-Christian ‘seekers’ are trying spiritual direction
Just as there is a growing number of nones, there is also a growing interest in spiritual direction.
Indigenous peoples are filling in the gaps in our Catholic faith
One of the richest philosophical traditions in human history has been ignored and even systematically persecuted: the broad family of indigenous philosophies.
A brief guide to volunteer service programs for Catholics
Where can you go? How much does it pay (or cost) to volunteer?
The Scandal of Knock: God can transform any nowhere into somewhere
Father Matt Malone, S.J., reflects on God’s grace can grace can transform nowheres into somewheres, and nobodies into somebodies.
The Editors: Evangelization, polarization and accountability among the most pressing issues for the U.S. church
As the U.S. bishops begin their meetings with Pope Francis, held every five years, here are some of the topics that need to be discussed.
Fewer than half of U.S. Latinos are Catholics, says one poll. How should the church respond?
Surveys show a long-term decline in U.S. Latinos identifying as Catholic, reports J.D. Long-García. The church is identifying ways to keep second- and third-generation immigrants in the pews.
I promised to help my friend when she got out of prison. Then she got pregnant.
I knew she would ask me to make the arrangements. She knew I would help. I promised I would be there for her, no matter what. God forgive me.
How the church in Australia is working to eradicate modern slavery
About 40 million people are now trapped by forced labor and human trafficking. John McCarthy explains how the church in Australia is “slavery-proofing” its procurement practices and supply chains.
Politics
Faith
Culture
Vatican
Scripture
Podcasts