The decline of the Irish Catholic Church in numerical terms is not going to slow down any time soon, and so it is time for its leaders to consider what this means in terms of physical infrastructure.
Catholic schools in the North threatened by an unusual coalition
In attacking Catholic schools in the Six Counties, Michael D. Higgins joins a strange coalition of progressives and unionists, none of whom like the fact that Catholic schools clearly outperform their secular counterparts.
Review: ‘Sword of Honour’ by Evelyn Waugh
Many regard ‘Brideshead Revisited’ as Waugh’s greatest work, but in his famous war trilogy, he achieves something which is arguably more impressive.
George Orwell: Revolution and religion
George Orwell’s writing is timeless, particularly due to his insights on revolution, politics and religion.
Review: ‘The Vanishing’ by Janine di Giovanni
Di Giovanni offers a tragic account of the vanishing of the Middle East’s Christians.
Review: ‘Bad News’ by Batya Ungar-Sargon
‘Bad News’ provides an in-depth examination of what has gone wrong with American journalism, and why those responsible for fixing the problems have a vested interest in ignoring them.
The evidence shows that meritocracy is vital
An examination of two recent books on meritocracy – one of which is very supportive, and the other which is sceptical – helps to understand the issue in all its complexity.
Review: ‘American Grace’ by Robert Putnam and David Campbell
You cannot understand America without understanding American religion. Robert Putnam’s work helps to fill in the gaps.
Review: ‘Making Democracy Work’ by Robert Putnam
Robert Putnam’s stunning book on social capital in Italy helped to set him on a course which would contribute so much to how we view community and its importance to societies everywhere.
Review: ‘Our Dear-Bought Liberty’ by Michael Breidenbach
The history of Catholics in early America provides an example for how a small community can survive, prosper and influence a great nation.