Benedict XVI, Hans Kung and Catholicism’s Future

Western Europe is considered a religiously-barren place these days. The reality, however, is more complex. Books written by two Catholic theologians recently rocketed up Germany’s best-seller list. That testifies to Europe’s on-going interest in religious matters. But the books’ real importance lies in their authors’ rather different visions of Catholicism’s purposes and future – and not just in Europe, but beyond.

by Samuel Gregg, DPhil (Oxon)

Solidarity, charity and government aid

Of all Christ’s teachings as reflected in the Gospel accounts, there is none as consistent as his defense of the poor and downtrodden. But the pope emphasizes that this cannot merely be outsourced to the State.

by Philip Booth

Social leveling: Socialism and secularism

The logic of social leveling applies to more than property. Indeed, socialism and secularism are closely related to one another.

by Hunter Baker

Back to budget basics

The problem with recent Christian campaigns on the federal budget crisis is that they do not recognize limits on the poor, and that state aid must remain transitional and temporary.

by Jordan J. Ballor

Deficit denial, American-style

Until recently it was thought the primary message of the 2010 Congressional election was that Americans were fed up with successive governments’ willingness to run up deficit after deficit and their associated refusal to seriously restrain public spending. A new poll shows Americans may be in denial about the depths of the problem.

by Samuel Gregg, DPhil (Oxon)

Catholic teaching’s pro-union bias

Here’s the question Catholics need to ask themselves: Are the unions I support of the same type that are idealized in Catholic social teaching? Or have they changed to the point where they are unions in name only but actually just political machines?

by Rev. Robert A. Sirico

Leveling justice: Tax code as moral code

Should a very wise person be prevented from passing on life lessons to his child? Should a very healthy or beautiful person be forbidden to pass on outstanding genes? Why should money be different?

by Hunter Baker

Local churches hard hit as recession spreads

The challenge of this economic downturn can be an opportunity for churches, individuals, businesses, and governments to learn again the lessons of fiscal discipline, thrift, and stewardship that are the hallmarks of sustainable economic growth and social flourishing.

by Jordan J. Ballor

Let the hustlers hustle

Whether intentionally job-killing or not, government regulations dampen the entrepreneurial spirit of people who are trying to improve their situation and make contributions to the civic good by providing services that people need. Based on employment figures, these regulations arguably affect blacks and Hispanics disproportionately.

by Anthony B. Bradley

After Cape Town: Still learning to talk about business and ministry

Religious leaders must move beyond good intentions to sound, biblically informed economic thought..

by Brett Elder, Stephen Grabill

Stewardship and the human vocation to work

In Christ, our stewardship becomes not only an expression of our shared human vocation, but our personal assent to Christ and His desire to redeem human work, creativity, and ingenuity.

by Rev. Gregory Jensen

Deeper truths magnify Reagan centennial

Ronald Reagan's ideas are timeless because they evoke deeper truths about man, his relationship to the state, and most importantly, his Creator.

by Ray Nothstine