Archives

  • ✴︎

    Priority Check

    As recently as 2004, when evangelicals were credited with reelecting George W. Bush, sexual mores defined the culture wars. But as the economy has become the political priority for liberals and conservatives alike, traditional culture-war issues—abortion, gay marriage—have been blunted […]

    READ…

  • ✴︎

    One Nation Under God

    Powerful new rhetoric on the religious right pits Obama and big government against ‘God’s America’—and promises to galvanize Christians in 2012. On Nov. 30, about a dozen moderate Christian leaders gathered for a meeting in Washington, D.C. Their colleagues on the religious […]

    READ…

  • ✴︎

    Love, Amish Style

    These novels raise questions about modern life. Why can’t we all be a little more like the Amish? This question lies at the heart of the Amish romance novels, churned out now with such regularity—and with such -success—that publishers are […]

    READ…

  • ✴︎

    Divided We Eat

    As more of us indulge our passion for local, organic delicacies, a growing number of Americans don’t have enough nutritious food to eat. How we can bridge the gap. For breakfast, I usually have a cappuccino—espresso made in an Alessi […]

    READ…

  • ✴︎

    Humble Pie Eating Contest

    What it takes to get things done. At a post-election press conference last week, President Barack Obamaengaged in some public self-reflection. He felt “bad,” he said. The “shellacking” he and his party sustained the night before had prompted him to consider […]

    READ…

  • ✴︎

    Sam Harris Believes in God

    The neuroscientist and rationalist has made his name attacking religious faith. Who knew he was so spiritual? Sam Harris, a member of the tribe known as “the new atheists,” wishes the headline to this story said something else. How about […]

    READ…

  • ✴︎

    Not a ‘Weak Creature’

    A mystic and the modern woman. Lest one imagine that female achievement and ambition is a new phenomenon, the life of Hildegard von Bingen stands as a stark corrective. Hildegard lived in the 12th century. Born to a noble family, […]

    READ…

  • ✴︎

    Sweet Virginia

    The wife of Justice Clarence Thomas is a Tea Party activist. Together, they’re the right’s new power couple. Justice Clarence Thomas probably had a ho-hum day on June 7, 2010. From time to time, the Supreme Court of the United States makes […]

    READ…

  • ✴︎

    Dare to Care

    A minister and the politics of poverty. In a political season, it’s easy for a journalist to be cynical—until David Beckmann walks into your office. Beckmann, in his blue blazer, looks like any Washington lobbyist, down to the dark circles […]

    READ…

  • ✴︎

    Hear Them Growl

    Sarah Palin says a new crop of conservative women will ‘rise up’ to protect their cubs. But will they? ma·ma griz·zly noun, pl. -zlies 1. Large brown bear, female of the species, native to North America with big claws. 2. A certain […]

    READ…