July 2015 Archives

July 31, 2015

6 Quotes: Milton Friedman on freedom and economics

Aristotle has often been described as the philosopher of common sense. Similarly, Milton Friedman, who would have been 103 years old today, could be described as the economist of common sense. Continue Reading...

July 31, 2015

Lopsided Outrage: Why Cecil The Lion Is Easier To Fight For Than Our Fellow Humans

We’ve seen lots of commentary on the lopsided outrage over the inhumane death of Cecil the Lion — how the incident has inspired far higher levels of fervor and indignation than the brutal systemic barbarism of the #PPSellsBabyParts controversy or the tragically unjust murder of Samuel Dubose. Continue Reading...

July 31, 2015

Retrenchment, Revision, and Renewal: 3 Futures for Evangelicalism in America

There are three possible futures for American Evangelicalism. These diverse destinies depend upon the moral, social and theological convictions of the communities and leaders of the different streams. They also represent patterns found in three centuries of American Evangelical history. Continue Reading...

July 31, 2015

‘I Want To Make A Lot Of Money Doing Good’

Starting a business is a risky undertaking. You need money, a product or service people want and away to deliver that product or service that keeps some of that money in your pocket. Continue Reading...

July 31, 2015

McKibben: ‘Thatcher and Reagan Summon the Worst in Us’

Bill McKibben’s New York Review of Books essay on Pope Francis’ encyclical, Laudato Si, has prompted two previous posts by your author (here and here). Working through the review has helped identify McKibben’s affinity for liberation theology and his outlandish claim that Pope Francis shares this affinity. Continue Reading...

July 30, 2015

Will the Catholic Church Eventually Embrace Democratic Capitalism?

Pope Francis hasn’t been shy about showing his disdain for capitalism and. During his recent trip to Latin America, for example, the pontiff said the the unfettered capitalism is “the dung of the devil.” Continue Reading...

July 30, 2015

Bill McKibben, Pope Francis, and Liberation Theology

On Tuesday, I dealt with approximately the first third of Bill McKibben’s New York Review of Books’ essay on Pope Francis’ Laudato Si encyclical. Today, I review the middle third, which includes McKibben’s alarming defense of liberation theology and his claim that this discredited ideology is embraced by Pope Francis. Continue Reading...

July 30, 2015

USCCB’s Misunderstanding of Economics

Today, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) called for supporting just wage public policies. While the religious leaders genuinely concern for the poor, they display a deep lack of understanding of basic economic principles, namely the law of supply and demand. Continue Reading...

July 30, 2015

Owen Chadwick, 1916-2015

Earlier this month, the eminent historian Owen Chadwick passed away. Chadwick’s immense scholarly accomplishments included Acton and History, his study of our namesake here at the Acton Institute. John Morrill wrote a wonderful reflection for The Guardian on Chadwick’s life, character, and accomplishments at the time. Continue Reading...

July 30, 2015

Peak Travel Season: Could You Spot A Human Trafficking Victim?

Human trafficking victims get moved frequently. It’s one way their traffickers can keep control over them – the victims often have no idea where they are. They can be transported by bus, train, 18-wheelers, and planes. Continue Reading...