Sticking a toe into the Charlie Hebdo/Pamela Geller question has not interested me. Watching a debate about what constitutes “authentic” freedom of speech that is meant to provoke, vs “inauthentic, hateful” freedom of speech that is also meant to provoke — often with the very same voices taking both sides — has left me thinking more about how too many people in America believe, along with the president, that no crisis ought to be wasted; everything is fodder for ideological... Read more
Driving a few days ago I heard an NPR report fawning over Marilyn Mosby, the Maryland state’s attorney for Baltimore City. Flipping through tv channels, I have stumbled upon pundits heaping praise and adulation upon Ms. Mosby and her tough prosecutor’s chops. Whether she is correct in bringing heavy indictments against six police officers in the death of Freddie Gray, or has moved too quickly and too politically, are questions for better minds than mine. What I’m wondering is whether... Read more
Patheos Catholic channel is pleased to announce that Michelle Arnold, veteran apologist at Catholic Answers and one of the most interesting people to follow on Facebook, where she can be counted on for amusing, instructive insights, and a clear communication of what Catholicism actually teaches. Raised as a Seventh Day Adventist, Michelle entered the church in 1996, quickly bringing her curious mind and strong communication skills to the service of the church. Reading about and commenting on religion seems like... Read more
As I am still trying to finish a book, and also assist with a technical transition here at Patheos, I am pleased to present this ecumenically-minded post that focuses on the beginnings of the relationship between Pope Francis and the late Rev. Tony Palmer, and where the writer hopes it will lead. –ES Guest post by Sean J. Connolly It all started with an iPhone. On January 14, 2014, Tony Palmer, a charismatic bishop from a little-known Anglican communion, used... Read more
On it’s face, the question sounds ridiculous until you consider this, and now this: Earlier this week, we learned that every member of an Iraqi delegation of minority groups, including representatives of the Yazidi and Turkmen Shia religious communities, has been granted visas to come for official meetings in Washington — save one. The single delegate whose visitor visa was denied happens to be the group’s only Christian from Iraq. Sister Diana Momeka of the Dominican Sisters of Saint Catherine... Read more
I’m down with an illness that has rocked me with some high fevers, so posting hasn’t happened, and won’t for another day or so, but my radio is on and I’m hearing reports that Justices Kennedy and Breyer are asking questions that suggest they’re wondering whether marriage ought to be considered a “right”. That reminded me of my own wonderings on that question, which I shared at First Things in 2012: Is Marriage a “Right” or an “Office”? I think... Read more
Somehow this got past me, until I happened to see it on Bristol Palin’s blog. “People keep saying, ‘We need to have a conversation about race’,” Morrison told the Daily Telegraph. “This is the conversation. I want to see a cop shoot a white unarmed teenager in the back.” She added: “And I want to see a white man convicted for raping a black woman. Then when you ask me, ‘Is it over?’, I will say yes.” Really? That’s all... Read more
At least not if Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-California) and Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) have their way, because the government can’t leave anything alone; everything must be regulated: the Personal Care Products Safety Act (S. 1014) will basically regulate the small cottage industry of artisanal soap-making out or existence with annual fees, multiple registrations and detailed information about every product they offer. You like the lady who keeps goats and makes that great lye-soap with their milk? Goodbye to her. You... Read more
So, it wasn’t long ago — April 13, actually — that I watched the usual “Hillary is very religious” narrative begin again and asked whether that meant the churches had an ally in Hillary, against those voices who demand that faith be relegated to pews and homes, and put out of the public square: Since Mrs. Clinton is now “officially running” for president, and the press is making a quick note of how important both her faith and its applications... Read more
I know nothing at all about this child, except for two things. No, three. 1) He has a lithe vocal instrument of remarkable clarity, sweetness, and power. 2) His mother appears to know how to support without forgetting to be honest. 3) J. J. Watt was is very cool. And I don’t actually know who he is. Check out young Nicholas’ performance of the National Anthem. That’s a rare gift and a natural musicality, there. Read more
The Anchoress
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In