As our public debate coarsens and weakens, Public Discourse will continue to publish respectful, rigorous arguments. We will continue to stand up for the rights and dignity of the most vulnerable members of society.
Author: Nathaniel Peters (Nathaniel Peters)
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Theology, Not Politics, Will Shape the Future of the Church
The Church’s own history teaches us that her theology matters more than her politics. Now as in the past, those who make robust arguments that coherently develop our understanding of Christ and his message will endure, while those whose arguments diminish the meaning of the cross and resurrection are likely to pass away.
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The Ultimate Catholic Showdown? Liberalism vs. Integralism at Harvard
A recent conference on Christianity and liberalism brought together high-profile Catholic scholars who strongly disagree about whether Catholicism is compatible with liberalism in general and the American version of it in particular.
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Grace Builds Upon and Doesn’t Destroy Nature: On First Things, Baptism, and the Natural Family
We need not parrot old arguments, but we should avoid giving countenance to dangerous and unproductive ones. Being novel, contrarian, and clever is no substitute for the politics of prudence and the sober pursuit of truth.
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Not Benedictine Enough: Rod Dreher’s Diagnosis and Prescription for American Christianity
If the Benedict Option is just Christianity, it is neither inherently Benedictine nor is it optional. If it is a feeling and an intuition, it needs to be guided by careful thought.
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Betrayed by Our Leaders: A Young Conservative Responds to Endorsements of Donald Trump
The leaders of organizations that have shaped a generation of young conservatives are now endorsing Donald Trump, a man who is the antithesis of the values held by each of these institutions.
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Lessons from a Life of Hope: Learning from Father Richard John Neuhaus
Those who would follow in Father Richard John Neuhaus’s footsteps would do well to note these lessons of his life. Religion and vocation matter more deeply than political wrangling, and we must continue to build intellectual families that combine conviviality with fighting for the greatest causes.
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Catholicism, Capitalism, and Caritas: The Continuing Legacy of Michael Novak
In a time of intense debate about global capitalism and the power of economic elites, Michael Novak’s work is essential reading for those who seek to work for free and virtuous societies. Novak’s life is also a lesson in charity.
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Abortion, Slavery, and Constitutional Meaning
Abolitionism provides the example for how to fight for a cause: underscore the humanity of those whose humanity is denied, provide compassionate care for those affected, name the lies that dehumanize and kill, and tirelessly argue for the truth about “who counts.”
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Theology, Anthropology, and Economics
Every economic system is based upon an implicit vision of the human person. Maciej Zieba’s new book provides an introduction to Catholic social thought that examines the anthropologies of Catholicism, liberal democracy, and the free-market economy.
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The End of Meaningless Sex
Donna Freitas’s new book on the hookup culture rightly encourages students to see its harms, but fails to give them moral reasons for opting out of it.
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Let’s Talk About Just War
In a country where we oscillate between the extremes of realism and pacifism, learning the history of the just war tradition is important. A new book by David Corey and J. Daryl Charles offers us an introduction.
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Why Sexual Integrity Isn’t Out-of-Date
A book about sex by J. Budziszewski uses natural law arguments to persuade young adults of the moral benefits of purity.