On Vox Nova, there has been much debate on Calvinism and its influence on the United States and American politics. Many who have tried to engage it have shown little to no understanding of Calvinism and its history. First, they confuse what Calvinism is: they think it is what is found in the writings of Calvin, and if you can’t find it there, it is not Calvinism. While Calvinism is tied to the thought of Calvin, it developed many of its core... Read more
I highly recommend Sara Robinson’s ten myths of Canandian health care. Unlike many of the know-nothing critics of single-payer systems, Ms. Robinson has ample experience of the US and Canada health care systems, and deals with the basic facts. The whole thing is worth a read. I will not reproduce everything here, but the second point is particularly interesting: (more…) Read more
Today is George Washington’s Birthday (Observed), popularly known as President’s Day. Washington has a rare distinction among American Presidents in that he makes a cameo appearance in a Papal encyclical (more…) Read more
Did you know that Dwight D. Eisenhower was raised Jehovah’s Witness? While he did not stay with the JWs (he was to become Presbyterian), do you think his JW background, and his mother’s continued adherence to the JWs, had any influence upon his political views? This President’s Day (understanding how the day is slowly becoming one which honors all Presidents, and not just Washington and Lincoln), take a look at the various religious affiliations the Presidents have had, as recorded over here. Which... Read more
Here is a CNN article and video about an effort started by a college friend that I am extremely proud to support, Wheelchairs for Iraqi Kids. Materials come from ROC Wheels and some of the labor is donated by prisoners. Please pray for this mission and consider supporting their effort. Read more
Via Kathy Shaidle, Sally Satel’s review of The Loss of Sadness: How Psychiatry Transformed Normal Sorrow Into Depressive Disorder contains an interesting tidbit about the APA’s decision to eliminate homosexuality from its official list of mental disorders: In the early 1970s, annual meetings of the American Psychiatric Association (APA) were home to angry showdowns between the gay rights lobby and organized psychiatry. Activists picketed convention sites, shouted down speakers, and waged ad hominem attacks on psychiatrists who sincerely believed that... Read more
This weekend, only a week and a half from a similar phone call, I received another call about a married for 30+ years friend, whose husband found another, much younger woman for himself. He came home, told her he didn’t love her anymore, and walked out. Unlike the first phone call, this woman is much better off because she has worked outside the home so she has the ability to live on her own without going on public assistance and... Read more
Despite opposition from Serbia and Russia, Kosovo has declared its independence. Outside parliament, thousands took to the streets in celebration, which included homage to the United States for its support of the declaration: Read more
As the more attentive Vox Nova readers may have gathered, I have been offering reviews of this year’s Best Picture nominees in anticipation of the upcoming Academy Awards show (previous installments here, here, here, and here). All of the other nominated films I liked. Atonement I did not. (more…) Read more
When Vladimir Nabokov died he left behind him the manuscript for an unfinished novel called The Original of Laura. Prior to his death, Nabokov ordered the manuscript burned, as he did not wish to have his work published in such a raw and incomplete form. However, Dmitri, his son an heir, has never been able to follow through with this request, and the manuscript remains locked inside a Swiss safety deposit box. But he cannot put off the decision inevitably. At... Read more
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