Little remains of the vast edifice of family, community and faith relationships that once unified and anchored the American way of life. These things have not disappeared from the horizon. They are still important, but they have deteriorated. There is no more consensus about what they mean, and they no longer serve as anchors of … Read more
Many complain that young people are not getting the basic life skills so needed to survive in the world. Parents and schools no longer teach skills like cooking, laundry, budgeting, or car repair as in times past. At the same time, our culture encourages young people to extend their adolescence well into their twenties. They postpone … Read more
The new Congress, the shutdown and jittery markets have set the nation on the path of uncertainties. We are faced not with simple misfortunes or a predictable economic downturn. This crisis is somehow different since we face the unknown. It is the cause of great anxiety. It is a bit like running in the dark. … Read more
Nationalism is one of those vague terms that appears when a social order is not anchored in moral certainties. The term can take on many meanings, some good, others bad because when nothing is certain, a climate of anxiety takes hold that distorts the national debate. This climate is found in today’s exhausted modernity, which … Read more
I was recently asked for advice about investment strategies for the coming times. It is a reasonable request since we as Christians need to plan for the future responsibly. It makes sense to look at all the options whether they be stocks, bonds, commodities or other assets. If there is going to be another big … Read more
It is no secret that emotions rule in America. The more sensational the news, the more impact it has. The media need to make things dramatic if stories are to survive in today’s short news cycles. The reason why emotions rule is because society has become shallow and impulsive. Feelings prevail over facts. People do … Read more
The New Year is the time to make resolutions. Many people dismiss such resolutions as good intentions that are almost made to be broken. In the rush of things, no one has time to keep them. I disagree with such conclusions. New Year’s Resolution can be kept. My book, Return to Order: From a Frenzied Economy … Read more
New Year’s resolution time is here, and I am going to play it safe and resolve to do something that I know can be done. I am going to make all my Sundays in 2019 Internet-free. I know it can be done because I did it and survived. This was my resolution in 2017 and … Read more
For those agonizing over what to buy this Christmas for their toddlers, the wait may be over. A panel of experts has just weighed in with suggestions targeting young children in the digital age. What do the experts say? Do they recommend a family-friendly video game that might be good fun and improve motor skills … Read more
So much that passes for culture these days is just entertainment. What people consider “culture” is an excuse to have fun. Everything must be full of novelty and excitement. It must be Facebookable and Instagram-friendly. While these fun activities may be popular, they do not constitute culture. They have no depth. For many, even Christmas need … Read more
