Posts by Rev. Ben Johnson
September 15, 2017
Commentators have long said that banning genetically modified food (GMOs) harms human flourishing. Thanks to a new study, that harm can now be quantified.
A study published in late July studies the impact of delaying the approval of GMOs in five nations: Benin, Kenya, Niger, Nigeria, and Uganda. Continue Reading...
September 13, 2017
‘Can people of faith hold public office?’: Transatlantic insights
Believing in a faith, to the point that it impacts one’s views in any way, is increasingly seen as a disqualification for public office. Two recent events raise the possibility that this unofficial employment test is part of a larger, civilizational shift taking place on both sides of the Atlantic. Continue Reading...
September 12, 2017
Erasing the cross: Public vs. private sector
The European discount grocery chain Lidl stirred controversy by removing the cross from its products’ labels, so as not to give offense. Eagle-eyed consumers noticed that Eirdanous, its Greek food line, featured a picture of a blue-domed Greek Orthodox Church by the sea – but unlike every other such church, its cupola was not topped by a cross. Continue Reading...
September 11, 2017
The archbishop of Canterbury eyes a ‘broken’ economy
Defending the free market and advocating for ever-greater access to capital is of paramount importance during uneven economic patches. That is how Christians should greet comments from Justin Welby, the archbishop of Canterbury, who recently said that the economy is “broken.” Continue Reading...
September 08, 2017
The eurozone could learn a lot from the Reformation
The president of France, with the agreement of Germany, has called for the creation of a single eurozone finance minister who would exercise some authority over the budgets of all its member nations – and the right to redistribute wealth between them. Continue Reading...
September 07, 2017
Prince William, Princess Kate, and the hope of Europe’s economic future
As Americans enjoyed a long Labor Day weekend, Prince William and Princess Kate announced they will soon welcome their third child into the world. Aside from its historical importance for the lineage of the House of Windsor, their pregnancy provides a hopeful contrast with much of Europe facing the economic consequences of a demographically barren and graying future. Continue Reading...
September 05, 2017
Economic inequality: Perception and reality
There is a link between economic inequality and national stress and unrest – but it may not be the relationship you assume. Rising media coverage of inequality makes people worry about their finances and believe their country is unjust, even if their incomes and economic fortunes are improving, a new study has found. Continue Reading...
September 01, 2017
Book review: ‘Reckoning with Race: America’s Failure’ by Gene Dattel
Reckoning with Race: America’s Failure. Gene Dattel.
Encounter Books, 2017. 312 pages.
Long before they exploded into violence at Charlottesville, race relations seemed so intractable that Alexis de Tocqueville wrote “the white and black races will [never] … be upon an equal footing.” Continue Reading...
August 29, 2017
Families pay more in taxes than for food, clothing, and housing combined: Study
The necessities of life include food, water, clothing, and shelter … but should the government cost more than all of them put together? A new study has found that politicians extract more in taxes than working families pay for their basic human needs. Continue Reading...
August 29, 2017
Should religious publications accept government funding to promote the EU?
The government of Poland recently funded media outlets that agreed to cover the EU’s international wealth redistribution program, the EU Structural Funds. The fact that one of the recipients was a Catholic weekly raises numerous moral and ethical questions. Continue Reading...