A more human society
On not being a vegetable
Of all the dilemmas classified under end-of-life issues, the most divisive even for Catholics has been the treatment of people diagnosed as being in a “vegetative state.” The phrase has […]
A more human society Archive
A more human society
Valuing truth over faction
Confirmation of a new justice for the U.S. Supreme Court has been halted, at least temporarily, by an accusation that the nominee when 17 years old tried to force himself […]
A more human society
Good and bad ideas on Church reform
The ongoing discussion of clergy sex abuse has moved to proposals for Church reform. The immediate need is for transparency and accountability. Charges against former Cardinal Theodore E. McCarrick, and […]
A more human society
Of wedding cakes and our tenuous freedoms
On June 4, in Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission, the U.S. Supreme Court delivered a limited victory for religious freedom. Jack Phillips, a devoutly Christian baker, declined to […]
A more human society
An advocate for the Gospel of Life
For me, a highlight of the past month was seeing Harvard law professor Mary Ann Glendon receive the University of Notre Dame’s Evangelium Vitae Medal. I have always been interested […]
A more human society
The paradoxes of inclusion
In a recent homily, Bishop Robert E. Barron rightly identified two paramount values in our secular culture: being “inclusive” and being “nonjudgmental.” The two seem closely related. If you want […]
A more human society
Planned Parenthood’s abortion fixation
Cecile Richards, who plans to retire this year as president of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America, has authored a self-congratulatory memoir called “Make Trouble.” During her decade-long leadership, trouble […]
A more human society
Food for thought on helpless seniors
On March 11, The Washington Post reported on efforts to expand the “right to die” in Oregon and elsewhere. The state has passed legislation to study changing its law on […]
A more human society
Ending a culture of violence
A horrific mass shooting at a Florida high school left 17 people dead and placed school violence and gun control at the forefront of public debate. Proposals include stricter regulations […]
A more human society
‘It’s no use reasoning with you!’
Have you had arguments in which the other person would not concede your point, no matter how many compelling facts and reasons you brought to bear? That is most common […]
A more human society
What is sex for?
It began with reports that Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, over many years, used his power over aspiring actresses’ careers to sexually harass and exploit them. The allegations soon extended to […]
A more human society
No greater love
President Donald Trump often says things that invite criticism. So I’m puzzled when his critics bother to attack even his more innocent remarks. The president is charged with insensitivity for […]