Over on Postmodern Conservative, Helen Rittelmeyer provides a reply to my criticisms of her proposal for a bioethics of love. In her original essay I was in agreement (mostly) with her basic premiselove should be the foundational principle of bioethicsbut disagreed with her conclusion. In her latest post, I disagree (mostly) with her new premiseSometimes we get closer to God by striving for perfection; sometimes we do it by turning our imperfections up to eleven: fasting, asceticism, bodily mortifications, drunkenness, etc.”but agree with the conclusion (see her last paragraph).
There are some writers that are enjoyable to read because you agree with them and they help you understand what you already believe; others because you disagree with them and they help you understand another point of view. Helen almost always does bothoften in the same articleand yet does so in a way that you would never expect. (Drunkenness as a helpful metaphor for the kingdom of heaven? Never saw that one coming.) She is a truly original thinker whose writing is always worth your time. Be sure to check out her post and encourage her to contribute more often at PomoCon.
While I have you, can I ask you something? I’ll be quick.
Twenty-five thousand people subscribe to First Things. Why can’t that be fifty thousand? Three million people read First Things online like you are right now. Why can’t that be four million?
Let’s stop saying “can’t.” Because it can. And your year-end gift of just $50, $100, or even $250 or more will make it possible.
How much would you give to introduce just one new person to First Things? What about ten people, or even a hundred? That’s the power of your charitable support.
Make your year-end gift now using this secure link or the button below.