Category: Essay

The End of the Straussian Moment?

A brief reconsideration of Peter Thiel’s justly famous essay may help us understand why, in politics, there is only the Straussian moment.

Reinventing the Individual

Falling in love with Christianity is unlikely to strengthen anyone’s faith in the ultimate value of our liberal heritage.

The Past Must Be Proclaimed

The House of Terror Museum challenges the leftists’ monopoly over the past, the present, and—ultimately—the future.

The Family Recipe

The Family Recipe

The family recipe book is a vital part of the conservative cultural enterprise.

December 31, 2023
This Most Tremendous Tale

This Most Tremendous Tale

Our meditation for Christmas is the simple question of who and what we celebrate on Christmas Day, why it brings true and lasting joy, and why it changes everything.

December 31, 2023
The Pontiff’s New Clothes

The Pontiff’s New Clothes

In the current pontificate, power is exercised in a manner reminiscent of a banana republic.

December 30, 2023
Artistic Modernism and the Catholic Ghetto

Artistic Modernism and the Catholic Ghetto

To rebel against modernity may involve the overthrow of the modern in the interest of reviving something older.

December 29, 2023
Populism and Religion

Populism and Religion

Europe does not share the American ‘faith and flag’ correlation between religion and politics.

December 28, 2023
The Other Christmas Truce

The Other Christmas Truce

“It is Holy Night and there will be no shooting.” The soldiers agreed.

December 28, 2023
The Evangelical Church Needs Cultural Christianity

The Evangelical Church Needs Cultural Christianity

Cultural conservatism—especially the traditional view on familial piety—is a condition of the Gospel’s intelligibility.

December 27, 2023
<strong>Vivaldi & Others</strong>: Antonio Vivaldi—Hotheaded Priest, Star Violinist, and Universal Composer 

<strong>Vivaldi & Others</strong>: Antonio Vivaldi—Hotheaded Priest, Star Violinist, and Universal Composer 

It is frustrating, maddening even, for anyone who loves Vivaldi’s music that basic data on his development as a composer and musician is lacking to this day.

December 27, 2023
Christmas Folklore: Iceland’s Yule Lads and the Devouring Cat

Christmas Folklore: Iceland’s Yule Lads and the Devouring Cat

Iceland’s Christmas folklore includes the Ogress Grýla, the thirteen Yule Lads, and a giant cat.

December 27, 2023
The Christmas Journey of Olaf Åsteson

The Christmas Journey of Olaf Åsteson

The Norwegian tale of a young man who fell asleep on Christmas Eve and woke on Epiphany to recount the miraculous sights he had seen.

December 26, 2023
The Premiere of Handel’s <em>Messiah</em>

The Premiere of Handel’s <em>Messiah</em>

This oratorio, a familiar part of both the Christmas and Easter seasons, has a fascinating history.

December 24, 2023
Forgotten Classics: <em>A Christmas Carol</em>, Fezziwig, and Love for the Least of These

Forgotten Classics: <em>A Christmas Carol</em>, Fezziwig, and Love for the Least of These

Now is the perfect time to approach Dickens’ classic, with its perennial themes of repentance and generosity. 

December 23, 2023