More than 90 percent of French children prenatally diagnosed with Down syndrome are aborted. Now the French government has decided the mere sight of children with Down syndrome on television is an unhappy intrusion on the national conscience. Continue Reading »
We French have for some years been overcome by a furor for republicanism and for citizenship. There is no activity so humble that it cannot take on an intimidating nobility as soon as it is associated with citizenship. The republic calls us, besieges us, smothers us—but where is the republic? Are . . . . Continue Reading »
France’s election illustrates that a nation once considered the epitome of European civilization has entered a state of advanced decline and political paralysis. Continue Reading »
French aversion to Christianity shows up in the half-repentant Marxist left, but can also be found on the extreme right, with its mystique that despises love and mercy, and among centrists whose moderation assimilates faith to fanaticism. Continue Reading »
♦ Michael Novak died in February. He was a pillar of First Things for more than two decades. Like our founder, Richard John Neuhaus, Michael had been an ardent proponent of a number of progressive causes. Some of his early books about post–Vatican II Catholicism can make you blush. But in the . . . . Continue Reading »
The Conseil d’Etat, France’s highest administrative court, recently issued a pair of rulings on the question of crèche displays. The principles they enshrine are confusing to say the least.Continue Reading »
The choice of clothing is a form of social communication, by which one can (for better or worse) say something about the order of one’s life. Continue Reading »
We were among those mourning a tragic loss. Yet, as we sought to comfort them, we recognized that they were filled with hope because Jesus was still in their midst. Continue Reading »