Category Archives: Signs of the Times

Quakerism was born in a terrible civil war. Could it survive another one?

[NOTE: This review does not mention that amid the spreading devastation of the English Civil War, which in 1649 led to the execution of the defeated Charles I, a new radical religious group, derisively called Quakers, was coming into being. The earliest Friends were at least in sympathy with Cromwell’s anti-monarchical “Commonwealth,” and not a … Continue reading Quakerism was born in a terrible civil war. Could it survive another one? →

Best Photo from the Queen’s Big Shindig Is a Picture-Within-the-Picture

Okay, pop quiz: Why is THIS the most memorable photo from the Big Royal Platinum bash in London? Can you see it? Most people, especially Brits (I expect) will see prime minister and convicted flagrant Coronavirus scofflaw Boris J, with wife Carrie, arriving for one of the many platinum photo ops — and recall that … Continue reading Best Photo from the Queen’s Big Shindig Is a Picture-Within-the-Picture →

Is This the “Pope Francis Alternative”? Ukraine and “Effective Nonviolent Resistance”

Pope Francis, Ukraine and “effective nonviolent resistance” National Catholic Reporter – May 30, 2022 by Eli McCarthy — Opinion Ukraine – so many new graves A bird sits on a cross amid newly made graves at a cemetery near Mariupol, Ukraine, May 15. (CNS/Reuters/Alexander Ermochenko) So much energy is being expended to urge Pope … Continue reading Is This the “Pope Francis Alternative”? Ukraine and “Effective Nonviolent Resistance” →

Ukraine: in the East, The War Turns Grim

“NOTE: The shift can be felt even here, thousands of miles away: Russia’s nonstop shelling and bombing is wearing down Ukrainian forces in its eastern regions. They are retreating, taking many casualties. The “wise men” of Davos, and some national leaders of allied nations were talking of concessions to Moscow to get the war over … Continue reading Ukraine: in the East, The War Turns Grim →