Losing Face

by Peter J. Leithart

“Losing face” is more than a metaphor for shame. Continue Reading »

1 Apr 2016

Thecla, Perpetua, Rosemary, and Thyme

by Austin Stone

One reason I’m so eager to defend "shame culture" is that I think there are spiritual goods to be gained by courting shame. An early Christian story in support of that idea: As Thecla listens to Paul’s preaching through a window of her home, her virginal chastity is already . . . . Continue Reading »

10 Dec 2008

Holden Caulfield woulda made a lousy postmodern conservative.

by Austin Stone

Freddie, that ubiquitous ombudsman, has taken me out for a ride for bashing Martin Buber. I get the feeling our disagreement isn’t about Buber anymore, so don’t feel any special pressure to catch up before proceeding. The basic disagreement between us is this: Should we try to love our . . . . Continue Reading »

4 Dec 2008

“While shame keeps its watch, virtue is not wholly extinguished in the heart.”

by Austin Stone

Who steals my purse steals trash; ‘tis something, nothing; ‘Twas mine, ‘tis his, and has been slave to thousands: But he that filches from me my good name Robs me of that which not enriches him And makes me poor indeed. OTHELLO, III.iii The most interesting sentence in the most . . . . Continue Reading »

2 Nov 2008