Support First Things by turning your adblocker off or by making a  donation. Thanks!

R.R. Reno is editor of First Things.

RSS Feed

Are Republicans the True Marxists?

From First Thoughts

Good grief. In a phone call to donors, Mitt Romney explained his defeat by referring to the “free stuff” that Democrats give their constituencies. He said that Obama’s strategy was to “give them extraordinary financial gifts from the government.” I don’t deny the . . . . Continue Reading »

Solidarity: the Republican Blind Spot

From Web Exclusives

The first thing to say is “calm down.” As our friend Steve Barr observes, we tend to over-interpret election results. That’s especially true for those of us paid to have opinions. Nothing sells soap like decisive pronouncements. “End of conservatism!” “New permanent majority.” “Thousand year reign of Democratic Party begins!” So instead of a summation I’ll make some tentative observations… . Continue Reading »

The Battle Already Won

From the November 2012 Print Edition

If we believe in the sure triumph of Christ, why do we allow ourselves to be drawn into the very unsure world of political conflict? If our victory is assured, why enter the current fight about same-sex marriage, abortion, or anything else? If we are to worship Christ the King, why worry ourselves . . . . Continue Reading »

The Lexicon of Pussyfooting

From Web Exclusives

Fifty years. It seems like a long time. But if you pick up Jacques Barzun’s searching analysis of modern education, The House of Intellect, the half century melts away. Barzun points out the way in which our egalitarian ethos encourages an “amiable stupidity.” The best man for a committee is someone who is cheerful, optimistic, and incapable of disturbing others with critical thoughts… . Continue Reading »

The Embarrassment of the Catholic Left

From Web Exclusives

There they go again. The usual gang of Catholic theology professors has signed a manifesto, “On all of our shoulders: A Catholic Call to Protect the Endangered Common Good.” It claims to warn us of the grave danger posed by Congressman Paul Ryan. The future of America is at stake! The integrity of Catholicism hangs in the balance! … Continue Reading »

Frustrated with Republicans

From First Thoughts

I’m frustrated by the way in which the Republican leadership has largely suppressed debate about moral and cultural issues in this electoral cycle. Yes, the economic situation is very important. But in the long run a productive economy requires a healthy culture. I wish Karl Rove would put a . . . . Continue Reading »

Keeping Your Faith in College

From Web Exclusives

When we go off to college, we’re not yet adults but no longer children, and we’re often on our own for the first time. No more bells ringing between classes, the everyday routines of high school are behind us. Our parents aren’t around to wake us up in the morning”or to set a curfew. For the most part we’re responsible for and to ourselves… . Continue Reading »

A Mandate to Disobey

From the October 2012 Print Edition

The Affordable Care Act mandates that employers offer and individuals buy insurance that provides free contraceptives, abortion-inducing drugs, and sterilization. It seems we have passed from a society that allows legal access to these drugs and services to one that insists that they must be free, . . . . Continue Reading »