Medical marijuana is often a front for recreational marijuana. This has led to crime issues and problems with the location of the ubiquitous “medicine” dispensing locations. LA is trying to control the chaos, but it seems to be tough sledding. From the story:When the state . . . . Continue Reading »
For many people, the term “rural” is synonymous with low incomes and limited economic opportunities. However, a recent study at the University of Illinois found that much of rural America is actually prosperous . What accounts for their flourishing? Family ties and civic-minded . . . . Continue Reading »
Last month I linked to Andrew Ferguson’s takedown of Bob Dylan and confessed that I never understood the singer’s appeal . Not surprisingly, the Dylan defenders in the comments section thrashed Ferguson and me for failing to appreciate the crooner’s genius. Being an open-minded . . . . Continue Reading »
When I was a kid, I always ended up as a shepherd in the Christmas pageant. I lacked the heft to be Joseph, as a guy did not want to be an angel, and somehow never made the cut as a wise man.My college students have made suggestions about that last one.There were, however, many advantages to being a . . . . Continue Reading »
In our house we have the tradition of putting the Baby Jesus in the creche on midnight on Christmas Eve. During Advent the manger sits empty with the other figures around it . . . waiting. I love it when Hope, as lady of the house, brings out the Baby and completes the scene.Christmas will be here . . . . Continue Reading »
The reading of books offers a variety of pleasures; the publishing of books, not so much. A friend of mine recently landed a book contract and asked me what he could expect. I was excited for himand excited to read his bookso I didnt tell him the whole truth: It’s one of the . . . . Continue Reading »
Sadly, we’ve lost more than a few good friends this past year. A memorial Mass for Avery Cardinal Dulles will be held at the Fordham University chapel this Saturday, December 12 at noon. . . . . Continue Reading »
Frank Turk a while back offered that:so it should be no surprise when I say it here that I am sure there are Catholics who are saved, and likewise for the occasional Eastern Orthodoxwhich apparently still has my dander up ... as an Orthodox convert (from an American Protestant church) because this . . . . Continue Reading »
I have been buried this week in thoughts about John Calvin’s theory of natural law, some of which you can find over at Mere Orthodoxy. Along the way, I came upon this excerpt by David Little, who does a fantastic job of encapsulating the implications of Calvin’s doctrine of natural . . . . Continue Reading »
This is the fifth part in a twelve part devotional commentary on “O Holy Night.” See the introduction here.Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming,With glowing hearts By His cradle we stand.The “light of faith serenely beaming” likely refers to the star over Bethlehem that . . . . Continue Reading »