Sam Rocha has reviewed Rod Dreher’s “The Benedict Option”. His book has been quite the topic, and the review is worth a read. Others haven’t been quite so direct, but most have at least some issues with Dreher’s assessment of the times, as well as his suggestions. I’ve not read the book yet, but I will. Read more
I guess yesterday was National Atheist Day? I didn’t know that. Makes sense from someone’s point of view. Just whose point of view I’m not sure. Donald McClarey had some fun, and as always a few insights, to mark the occasion. Anyway, happy belated to all my atheist visitors. Read more
It’s April Fools’ Day, and besides, if you can’t believe a Facebook quiz, what can you believe: This was a ‘Where are you on the spectrum’ quiz. Though it does confirm what I’ve always said: I’m not a conservative, I’m an old liberal in search of liberalism. That’s probably why I keep running afoul of modern conservatism, which some mistakenly call ‘liberal’ due to a few associated opinions about sexuality and religion. Read more
My wife reminded me of something from her POV regarding this silly controversy. When we entered the workforce, c. 1990, it was common to say ‘avoid any compromising positions with people of the opposite sex.’ It was mostly aimed at men. As a teacher at the time, not only did it apply to female students, but female coworkers as well. My wife further pointed out that if there was a man in an important position, and the only way to get... Read more
To vote without threat of retaliation or retribution is the American way. If you’re a legislator, then you pay at the ballot box, not because the citizens in your district were indiscriminately punished and threatened. I’m fine with protests. If individuals want to boycott a billion dollar corporations, that’s fine too. It’s usually not effective, but that’s up to them. Following the important principle of ‘the helpless individual always trumps the evil power entity or corporate interest’, I’m going for the... Read more
Who in the world would have a problem with this? Apparently a few hellbent on looking stupid. This is Washington, and this is Pence, a man who tries to live by his faith and thus his reputation will be target number one for those who wish to destroy him. That’s the common sense in politics part. On the common sense in life part, neither do I. I know of few if any married men who do go out to dinner... Read more
By the always informative Get Religion. This could come as a shock to some, but there might be some bias in how this issue has been covered in certain media outlets. On the positive side, the boycotts have done billions of dollars of damage to the state, no doubt hurting supporter and opponent alike. I think we call that collateral damage. Thank goodness, as GR points out, we don’t have to worry about pesky stories being dwelt on that might suggest sacrificing the... Read more
I typically don’t wade into this one because, to be honest, I have no idea what the solution is. The United States is unlike any other nation. The third largest population on earth. A wildly diverse citizenry from scores of backgrounds. A Democratic Republic established on the cooperation of individual states for common cause. A strong emphasis on liberty and freedom. However we fix the healthcare problem, I’m sure it won’t look like any other country’s solution. Likewise, when the... Read more
Russ Moore that is. Mark Silk at Religion News Service pens a rather critical article, not about Russell Moore, but about Russ’s critics. This is a common narrative I’ve seen for the last week or so. I won’t get into all of the ins and outs of Russ’s views. But I will give my impression from those I know in Russ’s denomination who have views on the topic. First, contrary to bold predictions in the press, Russ wasn’t fired. I personally know of... Read more
That this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NsbJnC_SFDc Happens on today’s date in The Lord of the Rings. Go here and here to learn more. As Tolkien said about his masterpiece, it was ‘a fundamentally religious and Catholic work’. Something I appreciated even in my non-religious days. Read more
Daffey Thoughts
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In