Category Archives: Words

Small Talk: On the Way from Distraction to Action

Posted on November 12, 2019 by

The post below is my Nov. 1, 2019, contribution to the Magis Center blog. Rev. Robert Spitzer, SJ, PhD, is president of the Magis Center, whose missions include the revitalization of belief in God and pursuit of the highest levels … Continue reading →

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“Meeting of Minds” > #TweetingofMinds

Posted on August 20, 2019 by

Despite the disturbing trend toward increased social polarization and weakened civic communication in society, we can still find champions for meaningful, respectful, inclusive conversation in American media–and certainly in values-informed communities around the country. We need to celebrate these champions, … Continue reading →

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Renewing Democracy and News Takes More than “60 Minutes”

Posted on July 5, 2019 by

There’s still time to indulge the patriotism one feels during the July 4 weekend—especially if you also care about news content in today’s media world and productive conversation in our polarized public square. Just take several minutes to watch Brian … Continue reading →

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White House Correspondents Dinner Gets a Taste of Hope

Posted on May 2, 2019 by

Pope Francis would have been interested in the keynote speech at this year’s White House Correspondents Dinner, which took place at the Washington Hilton on Saturday, April 27. This year’s event was lacking two elements of previous traditions—remarks by the … Continue reading →

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Pope Francis on Real Community: “Christus Vivit”

Posted on April 13, 2019 by

A look at lesser-known sections of the Apostolic Exhortation released recently by Pope Francis. This is the conclusion of a two-part report by Bill Schmitt, posted on the McGrath Institute for Church Life blog, published at the University of Notre Dame, … Continue reading →

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“Christus Vivit” Includes Pope’s Digital Media Diagnosis

Posted on April 11, 2019 by

A look at lesser-known sections of the Apostolic Exhortation released recently by Pope Francis. This is the start of a two-part report by Bill Schmitt, posted on the McGrath Institute for Church Life blog, published at the University of Notre Dame, … Continue reading →

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Pope’s Digital Media Diagnosis: Making All Links New Again

Posted on April 3, 2019 by

C This is the original version of Bill Schmitt’s report on sections of Pope Francis’ new Apostolic Exhortation dealing with digital media culture as it affects young people. Pope Francis has once again expressed a set of prayer-provoking insights about … Continue reading →

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Post-Truth? Both Terms Mean We Have a Lot to Talk About

Posted on March 25, 2019 by

In a culture where relativism, moralism, divisiveness and desperation about urgent global challenges are all taking a toll, and many of us turn to social media for repair or respite, we all need to talk more about the real cures. … Continue reading →

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Spirit and Sentiment: Lent’s Songs of Quiet Love

Posted on March 24, 2019 by

Initially posted on the McGrath Institute for Church Life blog, published at the University of Notre Dame,, on March 22. Some milestones in the Lenten season are literally a pleasure to celebrate as days for rejoicing or gaining new insight … Continue reading →

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“I ♥ Valentine’s Day,” When the Church Shows the Love of its Life

Posted on February 27, 2019 by

Initially posted on the McGrath Institute for Church Life blog, published at the University of Notre Dame, on February 14. Valentine’s Day can be awkward for a lot of people. It’s unlikely the holiday will come up in Church conversations, … Continue reading →

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