A more human society
Thinking about the heartbeat law
Most public issues these days seem to provoke angry dispute and mutual recrimination. Those divisions can tempt people to misstate or exaggerate facts, to persuade others — or even themselves […]
A more human society Archive
A more human society
Trapped in the self
Recently I’ve seen television footage of two protests against vaccine and mask mandates. In my home state of Washington, a protester held up a large sign saying, “My Body My […]
A more human society
Assisted suicide’s not-so-hidden agenda
Most people have heard of the slippery slope. After making what seems a limited exception to a moral principle, we may find over time that it logically becomes far broader […]
A more human society
Confusions about blessings
“The Catholic Church has dealt a blow to LGBTQ worshippers hoping for a more liberal, progressive church.” So says NBC News about a recent statement by the Vatican’s Congregation for […]
A more human society
Intolerant relativism
Once upon a time, many people assumed that dogma, especially religious dogma, was the enemy of freedom and friendship. If only we relaxed and let each person live by his […]
A more human society
The perils of isolation
The COVID-19 pandemic has claimed many victims, beginning tragically with the death of hundreds of thousands of our neighbors. Some of its harms are more intangible but equally real. Precautions […]
A more human society
The problem of political theologians
Some say religious leaders get too involved in politics. But we should also worry about politicians who wander into theology. One example comes from Gov. Ralph Northam of Virginia, while […]
A more human society
Two kinds of feminism
“Today, our nation mourns the loss of a trailblazer, not only in the field of law, but in the history of our country.” So begins President Donald Trump’s proclamation on […]
A more human society
Confusion and conflict on abortion
We know what major opinion polls tell us about abortion. Americans are about evenly divided in being “pro-life” or “pro-choice.” Many think it’s wrong but should be a woman’s choice. […]
A more human society
Catholics in America
“A state need not subsidize private education. But once a state decides to do so, it cannot disqualify some private schools solely because they are religious.” So said the Supreme […]
A more human society
Two approaches to racism
It is clear where the Catholic Church stands on racism. The U.S. bishops’ document for Catholic voters, “Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship,” has long condemned acts of racism as “violations […]
A more human society
Two cheers for science
“At a time when things are most uncertain, we turn to the most certain thing there is: science.” So begins a television ad that the Pfizer corporation began running in […]