In our discussions of civilians in war, whenever we start sounding like Julius Caesar writing about the Gauls, in terms utterly devoid of all sympathy and compassion, this should give us pause.
The Arena
Ideas in progress: a conversation with Robert Erle Barham on parenting, writing, and writing while parenting
“My kids wake me up to marvels all around—especially since they themselves are such a source of wonder.”
Putting the “home” back in homeschooling policy
A reminder to critics of homeschooling: homeschooling happens at home, and that is important.
Friends and relations, part I
When it comes to our international friends and relations, it’s not always clear to everyone who they might be or should be.
A blessing of unicorns: a weekly roundup
This is a good week to remember that unicorns are, among other things, a symbol of peace.
How to write a book proposal with a toddler jumping on your back
Yes, you can write a book proposal (and book)–even with a toddler jumping on your back.
Song of the day: Allegri, Miserere mei, Deus (Psalm 51)
This setting and performance of Psalm 51 are sublime and needed this week.
Ideas in Progress: Pearl J. Young on southern religion and the Civil War
A physics major turned historian tells about her research.
Barry Manilow: not so bad
Responding to John Haas: on the merits of Barry Manilow.
On not concluding
Sometimes it is important not to come to a conclusion.
A blessing of unicorns: a weekly roundup
Why did the unicorn cross the road? To get to the rest of the herd! Behold this week’s Arena links roundup.
Are you editing or baking with small children?
Sometimes you really just can’t tell
Rachel Lu on the future of the family
Why have we as a society stopped building families, and how might we reverse this trend? Rachel Lu offers some answers.
Children’s classics find a new life in Classical languages
Latin and Greek translations of beloved children’s classics are a trend worth celebrating.
No, it’s not “OK” to like Barry Manilow’s music, and in your heart you know it
Barry Manilow’s music shirks its duty, which is the duty of every human being when we open our mouths: Tell the truth.
Tell the truth and shame the devil
Prager U video about Grant and Lee is not a truthful representation of Grant’s views. Such lies matter.
A blessing of unicorns: a weekly roundup
Soviet Jews and Ukraine, things one writes in prison, compassionate conservatism, American utopias, and saying no to paganism
What I am reading: reminders from literary introverts
Literary introverts remind us of cosmic truths
Review: Why we still need Jonathan Edwards
American Christians today may be in danger of venerating Jonathan Edwards either too much or too little
Why did Jonathan Edwards think that slavery was morally right?
A note from the editor: This essay is reposted from the Anxious Bench, where it ran on 09/26/2023. It is much longer than anything else that has ever run on this blog — at nearly 7,000 words, it is the […]