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Society and Culture

A banjo player in a field at sunset

Why We Play

Folk music helps us to reflect on the past, build community, and refresh our spirits, ultimately speeding us along in our attempts to build a Christian culture.

Conor Kennelly
Nov 25, 2021
The Capitol Rotunda

Engaging Secular Modernity

Ryan T. Anderson and Msgr. James Shea discuss the interplay of religion, culture, and public policy, the modern antipathy towards questions of family, and preparing the next generation of informed Christians in the public square.

Dr. Ryan T. Anderson
Msgr. James P. Shea
Nov 18, 2021
The cupola of St. Peter's Basilica rises over statues of saints on the colonnade

Why Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity Are Not Absolute Values

While many pundits and activists in the West see equity, diversity, and inclusion as self-evident moral truths of absolute value, closer inspection reveals that they cannot fill that role.

Most Rev. Robert Barron
Nov 11, 2021
Tim Busch, founder of the Napa Institute

The Napa Institute and the Next America

Through liturgy, academic formation, and fraternity, the Napa Institute seeks to prepare Catholics for life and the adventure of evangelization in our current apostolic age.

Timothy R. Busch
Msgr. James P. Shea
Jul 15, 2021
A confessional

Sealing Confession: A Theological Justification for Keeping a Lid on It

Recent political challenges to the seal of confession have called into question the role of the sacrament of Reconciliation in the life of the Catholic faith.

Dr. Michael J. Morris
Dr. Jared Schumacher
Apr 22, 2021
Versailles, France

Engaging the Enlightenment: A Symposium

What is the Enlightenment, and how does it relate to Christianity? Drs. Blum and Stuart explore the Enlightenment and its implications for Christian thought and culture.

Dr. Christopher Blum
Dr. Joseph T. Stuart
Apr 15, 2021
The United States Capitol in Autumn

What is the "dom" in Christendom?

While the political polarization that permeates our culture is often blamed on an over-emphasis on the political, perhaps it arises, surprisingly, from the loss of the political itself.

Dr. Michael F. Hickman
Mar 11, 2021
A Mother and Her Children

Reality Is Not Arbitrary

Jeanne Mancini, President of the March for Life Education and Defense Fund, joined Msgr. James P. Shea to discuss her work in the pro-life movement and the March for Life.

Jeanne Mancini
Msgr. James P. Shea
Jan 27, 2021
A Lioness

Naming the New Lions

Catholic universities face the cultural lions of relativism, fundamentalism, and pessimism. The proper response is faith, hope, and charity born of prayer.

Very Rev. Paul Murray
Dec 22, 2020