3 Reforms in Wake of Pope Francis’ U.S. Visit

At the end of the first visit of Pope Francis to the U.S., we should remember that his Holiness came to us by way of Cuba. And coming by way of Cuba, his travels might remind us of the shared historical experience of the U.S. and those Spanish-speaking lands south of...

Ultrasound Images and How We See the Fetus

Recent release of video footage showing Planned Parenthood official Deborah Nucatola describing collection and costs of fetal tissue has attracted attention and controversy. With this controversy playing out in background, the Wall Street Journal published a new...

After Boston Bombing, Could Execution Sermon Heal?

Dzhokhar Tsarnaev was found guilty on 30 counts. Jurors – and everyone else in and around Boston – now contemplate sentencing. Discussions about the death penalty have a strange ring in Massachusetts, a state that renounced it in 1984 and had its last...

Lenten Fast Like Juice Cleanse of Spiritual Toxins

When Lent begins early, as it did this year, calls to prayer and fasting come right up against the New Year’s barrage of juice-cleanse ads promising atonement for holiday indulgence. From pulpits and religion blogs, Lent brings annual reminders that...

How You Can Live in Terrible Times

The news is terrible lately. Maybe news always is bad. Many eras bristle with horror, and knowing some history gives us perspective. But it seems so bad now: Christians beheaded in Libya and more fleeing to Egypt, Christians kidnapped in Syria, ancient artifacts...