The pope must know that dialogue is not the “only” solution to the Syrian conflict. It would be a good thing if the pope would acknowledge the just war tradition while making his impassioned pleas for peace. Catholics believe in peace, but they’re not Mennonites. First Things editor R.R. Reno has consistently argued against intervening in Syria, but I believe a classical reading of the just war tradition renders robust intervention in Syria a morally desirable act of charity. http://www.firstthings.com/onthesquare/2013/09/our-pacifist-pope Read more

“Ophel Treasure” apparently includes oldest Torah ornament ever found: medallion with Menorah, Torah and Shofar etchings http://mosaicmagazine.com/picks/2013/09/treasures-from-the-temple-mount/?utm_source=Mosaic+Daily+Email&utm_campaign=97e7c60c69-Mosaic_2013_9_10&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_0b0517b2ab-97e7c60c69-41159925 Read more

I think that this law is not only necessary, but also that such laws should be adopted by other countries , in place of the rules which are launched today in the European Union on homosexual unions, which even give them the right to adopt children . I believe that this policy of Western governments is a suicidal policy, because under the conditions of the demographic crisis and destruction of the institution of the family, giving these privileges to homosexual... Read more

We badly need such a guidance system in our time because the Christian church in America is facing more aggressive challenges to its core beliefs than we have experienced for a long time. Two challenges are the most pressing and must be met with clear and firm guidance from the Great Tradition. http://juicyecumenism.com/2013/09/04/the-great-tradition-the-essential-guidance-system-for-the-church/ Read more

While many American hotel executives refuse to rid their businesses of pornography, Petter Stordalen, owner of one of Scandinavia’s largest hotel chains, is leading the way forward. http://www.thepublicdiscourse.com/2013/09/10850/?utm_source=RTA+George+Yusuf+Hotels&utm_campaign=winstorg&utm_medium=email Read more

Unlike your friends, who will excuse your errors, your college professor may or may not like you. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324591204579039544005041908.html   Read more

[Note from Gerry: This is my first post on Jody Bottum’s shocking article last week in Commonweal. Both Jody and David (below) miss the most important argument against gay marriage–its effects on children and therefore society, regardless of religion.  Goldman misses this component of the conservative Catholic argument against gay marriage.  These conservatives are not arguing for society to re-institute Christendom, but to save itself from social wreckage.  Nevertheless, there is much that is insightful in Goldman’s piece below.] David... Read more

It is all very well atheists saying that religion is not the same as race, because you are free to decide what god if any you believe in, but cannot choose your ethnicity. But try telling that to the persecuted Christians, Shia and Sunni of the Middle East. Their religious persecution is no different from racial persecution. http://www.spectator.co.uk/features/9000431/forget-about-richard-dawkins-fight-the-real-fanatics/ Read more

Greenbelt – where faith, arts and justice meet. Unless, of course, you happen to be Israeli or Jewish or sympathetic to Zionism or cognisant of the historical quest for a Jewish homeland. http://archbishop-cranmer.blogspot.com/2013/08/greenbelt-launches-anti-israel-kairos.html?showComment=1377455784242 Read more

The expert on the economics of higher education explains how subsidies fuel rising prices and why there’s a ‘bubble’ in student loans and college enrollment. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324619504579029282438522674.html Read more