The Naked Public Square

First Things is one of the best sources for in-depth analysis and reflection upon current trends in the church and the world from a scholarly, Christian perspective. It isn't a bunch of neoconservatives sitting around trying to figure out how to bring the Latin Mass back. It IS a thoughtful critique of modern culture with helpful remedies to the general intellectual and cultural trends that are sliding further into banality and often outright moral bankruptcy. Contributors range from both left and right of the political/theological spectrum, but the editor in chief, Fr Richard Neuhaus, is perhaps the leading catholic intellectual in the United States and he clearly pilots the magazine to the right- which isn't a bad thing. The good father's sharp wit and intellectual powers are always at full throttle.

Mostly Roman Catholic in perspective, but it appeals to anyone interested in the Naked Public Square.

You may also want to subscribe to Touchstone, a journal of Christian thought.

My favorite journal

The oft-cited theory that religion is private, and has no place is public life is laid bare as absurd in this chewy, wonderful journal. At the basis of any important issue are religious/spiritual convictions that animate our approach and shape the contours of our thinking. This magazine helps one refine our engagement with the issues of our day.

I find it amusing that many say that is it "conservative." The truth is that most liberal ideas cannot bear sustained inquiry, and Fr. Neuhaus and his writers make that painfully obvious.

You can get a free issue for your review at any time by request. I hope you be hooked and stay , as I have.

Caution: No Pictures Inside!!!

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First Things, on the other hand, forces the reader to deal with the issues, instead of providing an easy way out with all those "great" pictures, graphs, tables, and other easy-digestibles our culture seems to need before its members can understand anything over an eighth grade education.

This is not a journal for the knee-jerk conservative or the knee-jerk liberal--if you're not willing to think about it, don't read it.