We were a McGovern family — sign in the yard, button on the lapel. He was a sincere patriot, and a great Democrat from an era of great Democrats, now sadly passed. I have no doubt he would have been appalled at the idea of ramming legislation through, unread, that was going to affect every aspect of American lives, from cradle to grave. I have no doubt he’d have found the HHS Mandate unconstitutional. You don’t fly 35 missions against... Read more
The Patheos Book Club is a busy place with a wide variety of books constantly being explored and discussed. This Tuesday, it started looking at two Catholic books that could not be more different. One is the posthumous publication of the writings of an often physically-challenged Dominican priest assisting at the Second Vatican Council; one is written by a house-afire of a woman assisting pregnant women. So, I guess you could say that both books have to do with the... Read more
So, I’m taking a quick flip through my Facebook timeline and I see that Patrick Madrid has posted this image. It stopped me in my tracks. The stamp had blipped through my awareness earlier this week when both Kathy Schiffer and our human news aggregator, Deacon Greg had mentioned it, but this morning the simple silhouettes against the fiery sky, and the inviting brilliance of the Light, just seemed to pull me in, and it brought on a renewed bout... Read more
While Leah Libresco finds something for feminists to admire in his remarks, Obama supporters have been trying desperately to find some way to take umbrage at Mitt Romney’s “binders” blurble and make it scandalous. Now, it can finally be revealed: Mitt Romney was speaking in code — the Mormon candidate was trying to reach out to the Catholic vote in a most intimate (but terribly sexist and misogynistic) way; yes…it’s all about the underwear! Read more
My project today — and I am sadly later to it than usual — is to remind you that once again, the Norbertine Nuns of Tehachapi, California are taking orders for their incredibly fresh and long-lasting Christmas Wreaths (pdf) I can only tell you that I have bought these wreaths for the last couple of years and they outlast any wreath I’ve ever purchased from a retail outlet, or mail-order house. For the last two years we’ve left the wreaths... Read more
Wherein Pat Gohn interviews Joanne McPortland and then reads from Lisa Hendey’s book! It’s actually a great little podcast…among Patheos women! :-) Read more
Here is sound debate prep for this evening — things to keep in mind from Dr. Guinness’ speech: “A Free People’s Suicide” “If you have a corruption of the traditions and the moral standards of the people, the best constitution in the world will eventually be subverted; it will still have the same name, but it will be a different reality.” “If a generation arises that doesn’t understand liberty as. . .’the habit of the heart’, then freedom is in... Read more
My column at First Things today talks about the ongoing tension between Catholic “Right and Left”, and the conceit behind it: There exists an undeniable tension between left-leaning “social justice” Catholics and the right-leaning “pro-life” side; they share a conceit of primacy—one side sees itself as more compassionate; the other as more obedient. I personally know “social justice” Catholics who will pretend pro-lifers care nothing for the poor. And I certainly know pro-lifers who think the “social justice” side pays... Read more
During this Year of Faith, our Catholic Channel at Patheos continues to be blessed with an influx of talented, creative and interesting writers. About ten days ago we welcomed Sam Rocha and Margaret Rose Realy — two writers who could not be more disparate in their approaches to faith and yet worship in commonality — and today we are thrilled to add the astonishingly busy founder, editor, writer, speaker, and Catholic publishing entrepreneur Lisa Hendey to the mix with her... Read more
I love this. Love it! What’s that line? “The world will be saved by beauty…” If it doesn’t bring us to our knees, it might at least bring us to our senses! Bless this artist! Read more
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