Actions are largely driven by emotional responses, which in turn are created by thoughts. Now, a man may, of course, act a given way through cool reflection: because he sees it is the thing to do. But he will not do so reliably. The head rules the hands through the heart. A man becomes moral … Continue reading On the Purpose of Fiction
Ethics
Sticking up for ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’
So, a few days back, someone posted an attack on It's a Wonderful Life in the 'Boston Herald,' criticizing it, not only as a bad film, but as promoting socialism. It was a very poorly done piece, of the "make a bold claim, then support it with a sarcastic comment" variety, but since the point of view … Continue reading Sticking up for ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’
First Post up at ‘The Everyman’
My first post is up at the new Catholic / Conservative commentary site The Everyman, which you definitely should check out. It's only a week or two old, but there's some good stuff there. In our day, of course, telescopic charity has never been easier. We have television and the internet to bring us tales of … Continue reading First Post up at ‘The Everyman’
Our Particular Challenge
There are some doctrine that are ill-suited for some times. St. Paul wrote the Corinthians that he “gave them milk to drink, not meat, for you were not yet able.” (1 Cor. 3:2). That is, he didn’t try to convey the fullness or complexity of Christian doctrine to them, since he knew they weren’t yet … Continue reading Our Particular Challenge
Why Relativism is Intolerant
I don't know about you, but I can't help noticing that people who argue that truth or morality are relative tend to be much more intolerant than those who adhere to the idea of objective values. The tolerance they boast of is purely specific: that they don't object to certain given acts (e.g. homosexuality) that … Continue reading Why Relativism is Intolerant
Great Humor, Great Morals, and Why Having Your Heroine Be a Music Box for an Episode Makes for Good Writing
So, this week's episode of My Little Pony was pretty fantastic (full disclosure: I actually saw it a week or so ago. You see, since FiM is produced in Vancouver, Canadian audiences get to see episodes up to two or even three weeks before the rest of us. The magic of the internet, however, allows some leeway … Continue reading Great Humor, Great Morals, and Why Having Your Heroine Be a Music Box for an Episode Makes for Good Writing
Everyone On My Side: DON’T DO THIS
I knew this was going to happen. Some background: Vice-President Elect Mike Pence attended a performance of Hamilton in New York, where he was roundly booed. After the performance, one of the actors offered a patronizing plea to the Vice-President that "we are a diverse America who are alarmed and anxious that this new administration will … Continue reading Everyone On My Side: DON’T DO THIS
The Dangers of Attacking Hypocrisy
There’s nothing more popular these days, either in the Church or the surrounding culture, than attacking hypocrisy or moral pride: Pope Francis talks about it all the time, and slinging accusations of it back and forth has become something of a pastime among Catholics of differing traditions. Of course, the Other Side uses it as … Continue reading The Dangers of Attacking Hypocrisy
Ethics Test
I'm sure we’ve all heard people saying something along the lines of, “I don't need religion: I can decide for myself what is right and wrong.” A few questions regarding that: Do you actually decide for yourself what is right and wrong, in the sense of having a real standard that you strive to live … Continue reading Ethics Test
Serpent's Den 