As I’ve discovered, for some Christians in Islamic countries, Palm Sunday is the main celebration day. That’s because of generations of regulations aimed at restricting their primary holy day of Easter. I don’t know if that’s the case with Coptic Christians. But it’s a reminder that as horrible as this is, it’s not unique, nor is it new. I had the pleasure of speaking to several Syrian immigrants today. Apparently they’ve not been able to tell their side of the story... Read more
Germany has a reputation of begrudging homeschoolers. Germany’s hard line approach dates back to the early 20th century, which isn’t surprising. Here in the states, there have been attempts to curtail the freedom to home school. I’m fine with some level of accountability, but there are limits. Our kids have to be tested each year and actual professional educators sign off on their progress. Otherwise, we’re free to follow our own course. In our case, we use an accredited... Read more
That is the appropriate response right now. For those of us outside of the loop – which is the majority – pray, or hope if you’re of a more secular bent, for peace. It’s easy today, with access to keyboards and our opinions just gushing to get out, to run forward and use what is happening to the best of our agendas. But I think in this case, no. Rather than slip into that tendency, let’s just come together to... Read more
Scarcely covered. One reason I always visit The American Catholic is its take on history, especially American History. We’re reminded that this is the day that America made our entry into the Great War official. It hasn’t been covered that much, this 100th Anniversary of the first phase of the Great World War of the last century. It’s been mentioned, and I’ve seen a few specials here and there. But considering it, and its follow up commonly called WWII, you’d... Read more
Yep. A different time. It’s almost as if we no longer want that harmonious peace that Coke buyers sang about back in the day. It’s worth noting that, growing up, it was Conservatives I heard who despised this Coke commercial. Many argued it was trying to cash in on the anti-War movement of the day. Not to mention as sappy as you get. Now it mostly appears to be ‘liberals’ who despise the new Pepsi commercial. Odd that. Unless my theory... Read more
When it comes to dialogue with Muslims. I’m OK with that, as long as they listen to us. I’m fine with dialogue between faiths, or with non-faiths. Trying to hear what the other means can never hurt. And given the issues in the world today, hearing what Muslims have to say seems a wise move. Again, as long as they hear what we have to say. As I’ve said before, I chalk it up to sports. You get out... Read more
I posted Sam Rocha’s review of The Benedict Option, so fair is fair. Here’s Dreher’s response to the critique. Read more
A recording of Tolkien reading a snippet of The Lord of the Rings. This is from annual Tolkien Reading Day, March 25. Read more
The term ‘Fake News’ means nothing at this point. Fake News is now used whenever anyone reports anything that doesn’t confirm what we already know should be true. Nonetheless, Mike Flynn analyzes a couple of quickly forgotten news stories that dominated the rounds back in the day. Examples of News that is really fake. Because they involved fake stories, were elevated as true without waiting for the details, and then when they discovered to be fake, were dropped like a hot... Read more
What a guy. The NYT publishes Tariq Ali’s rather celebratory look at one of the 20th century’s most important figures. Also getting some shout outs are the Bolsheviks, though the taint of outside forces and the subsequent flaws in their direction is acknowledged. But since most of the ensuing violence is put at the feet of the Czarist forces and the Western allies, you can’t help but wonder how good things would have been if the Bolsheviks had been left to their own... Read more
Daffey Thoughts
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