Neoliberalism cleared the path for authoritarian attacks. American universities must challenge the economic and political systems that enchain and sustain them.

Science is a social domain of truth with its own legitimate task. Facing both economic and political pressures, universities need to stay focused on this task.

Confusion about scientific truth is at the heart of public ambivalence about higher education. I address this confusion and show why scientific truth matters.

Thinking straight is part of loving the truth, but only part. In this post I explore the relation between propositional truth and what I call truth as a whole.

Confronting authoritarian attacks on science, we must reclaim ordinary propositional truth. This post explains what such truth is like and why it’s important.

To counter Trump’s attacks on American universities, academics need to become less tongue-tied about truth. This post provides a road map for our response.

In June our household unexpectedly moved from the USA to Canada. I explain why we moved and talk about the warm welcome we have received in London, Ontario.

Politically-driven despair makes it hard to sing about the dawning of the light. But Morten Lauridsen’s “O Nata Lux” can help transform the season of Advent.

The recent re-election of Donald Trump feels like a direct assault on a social vision of justice and shalom. I tell of my despair and a sense of bereavement.

November 5 is no ordinary election in the USA. Donald Trump’s malignant narcissism and committed fascism make him a double threat to America and the world.

Why should Canadians and Americans celebrate Thanksgiving? To celebrate the sources of goodness in our lives, I suggest, and to resist generalized resentment.

Recently Ruby and I went tent camping in late summer sunlight. I reflect on the experience and resolve to live into the future with gratitude and affection.

Donald Trump and his supporters want to install a new imperial presidency. I examine what this means and how it threatens the future of constitutional democracy.

Right-wing extremists and the U.S. Supreme Court are attacking the administrative state. What is the administrative state? And why has it become their target?

The singing of Canadian and American national anthems at hockey’s Stanley Cup finals makes me wonder: What is genuine patriotism, and why does it matter?

Forrest’s Requiem for the Living is a collective prayer for healing and rest. I describe my recent experience of singing it and discuss how it is put together.

Measha, our sweet and beautiful cat, died on May 10, 2023. One year later I tell her story and remember with gratitude how she quietly blessed our lives.

Do certain emotional needs attract voters to support fascist politics? I explore this, referring to Theodor Adorno’s research on The Authoritarian Personality.

Jim Wallis calls white Christian nationalism a false religion. I reflect on what this means for the future of multiracial political democracy in America.

Why do so many white evangelical voters in America support former President Donald Trump? I reflect on this and issue a call for personal-political conversion.