What if instead of a few philosopher-kings magnanimously steering the unruly mob, we focused on building a democracy full of philosopher folks?

Our democracy demands that we refrain from using party politics as a stand-in for unshakable creeds. Rather, we must practice and honor dissent.

A month before this Independence Day, a group of 100 scholars warned about “the recent deterioration of U.S. democracy.” America has been covering this topic from all angles; here are highlights from our archives.

Pro-lifers and pro-choicers should both want to help women and families be in a place to choose to have another child.

The pope said business leaders should shift their focus to production, creating jobs and “investing in the common good, not hiding money in tax havens.”

The U.S. church isn’t just polarized; it is tired. And it is polarized in part because it is tired.

Building a worker-friendly economy is a slow and difficult job. Stoking the rage and resentment of disaffected voters is much easier. Are pro-labor conservatives up to the task?

When U.S. bishops meet virtually next week, most eyes will be focused on a controversial vote related to the Eucharist that some fear politicizes Communion by taking aim at the nation’s second Catholic president.

And three other ways they can improve their Catholic voting guide before the next election.

For some young white men with sufficient academic ability to comprehend Peterson’s writing and lectures, it is actually news that the worry-free irresponsibility offered in the seeming safety of Neverland has psychological, emotional and spiritual consequences.