The rise of Islamic State has led to a renewed focus on the persecution of Christians in Iraq and Syria. But as Patriarch Ignatius Youssef III Younan says, “The whole Middle East, without exception, is presently engulfed by a nightmare that seems to have no end and that undermines the very existence of minorities, particularly of Christians, in lands known to be the cradle of our faith and early munities.” And the problem is not just inthe Middle East.In 2013,...

What if told you that between 90-100 percent of Americans are living in “healthcare poverty.” You would probably object and say that while the country certainly has a healthcare crisis, my numbers are surely inflated. After all, most people in the U.S. have access to healthcare. In reply, I explain that while it’s true most people are able to consume healthcare services, they are still in poverty since those services are paid for at least partially by the government or...

With our newfound economic prosperity and the political liberalization of the West, we have transitioned into an era of hyper consumerism and choice. This involves all sorts of blessings, to be sure, but it brings its own distinctrisks. Whether it bematerialism or a more basicidolatry of choice, such distortions will be sure todiminish ordisintegrateanynumber of areas across society. But the deleterious effects on the family and children are particularly pronounced. Throughout most of human history, children were most often the...

Whether they wear boxers or briefs is none of my concern. Nor do I care whether they choose to use a PC or a Mac. When es to presidential candidates one of the least-asked question I want answered is, “What do you mean when you say ‘middle class?’” This undefined group of citizens seems to be a favorite of politicians on both ends of the political spectrum. Reagan and Bush cut their taxes. Bill Clinton and Obama did too (or...