The Joy of Things and the Trap of Excess: An ethicist and an anthropologist ask, How much is too much? This article reviews two new books on whether we own our possessions or they own us. Both understand material goods and consumption as not inherently evil. Our things can be a means of encountering the divine, “the […]
Threatened by Terrorists, Nine Monks Made an Amazing Decision: Seven study questions for Of Gods and Men, which follows the true story of monks who were serving Algerian villagers in a variety of ways when intolerant Islamic extremists decided to drive them out. Assembling in the Monastery of Our Lady of Atlas, they were faced with […]
J.J. Wright’s ‘O Emmanuel’ mixes it up: J.J. Wright’s album of sacred music, “O Emmanuel,” produced with the University of Notre Dame’s Children’s Choir, is inspired by “antiphons,” traditional texts dating back to the fifth century. Wright has added jazz and gospel music to create an album that is difficult to categorize.
A Solstice Devotional for the Faithless in Trump’s America: Students can read this secular homily from a former Christian as a testimony of concerns, appeals, and petitions for the kind of society for which a notable demographic in today’s world hopes. Compare and contrast the themes with a traditional Christian narrative and hope.
Amicus Says Trademark Case Impacts Religious Speech: The case of Lee v. Tam involves a free speech challenge to the government to deny trademark registration to a mark “which may disparage persons, living or dead, institutions, beliefs, or national symbols, or bring them into contempt, or disrepute.” An amicus brief now argues against this disparagement clause as […]
Am I a Christian, Pastor Timothy Keller? — This amiable exchange can alert students not yet inducted into the typical apologetics questions to what non-Christians and nominal Christians often ask about historically orthodox teachings. “What does it mean to be a Christian in the 21st century? Can one be a Christian and yet doubt the […]
Words to think about: Al Mohler asks who has the power to define ‘truth’ in this media age — Students can use this discussion about news, truth, journalism, and religion to consider the issues and tensions always in play when the culture and the media in particular addresses religion stories, teachings, and theology: “The blurring […]
Five Key Findings on Religion in the U.S. — Religion remains an integral part of most Americans’ lives. Gallup’s ongoing research shows how this has changed over time. Gallup data in 2016 show a leveling off in downward trends in church attendance, the importance of religion and the perception that religion is losing influence in society.
Public Morality and Allegedly Private Vice: From the Journal of Christian Legal Thought, this brief article can introduce students to the continuing disputes and key names in issues of victim-less crime, personal vice that becomes public, and society’s stake in what begins with but does not remain private.
Becket Fund Helps Clergy Intervene In Parsonage Lawsuit: This somewhat breezy column discusses the minister of religion housing allowance and may serve as an example of how this 60 year-old congressional action is perceived by some. Plainly, a two-kingdoms topic.
