Culture
New Smithsonian exhibit explores diversity of religion in early America
The exhibit features artifacts from Christianity, Judaism, Islam and other major world religions. Peter Manseau, the museum's Lilly Endowment curator of American religious history, is the author of several books and curator of the new exhibit.
Compelling study brings archaeology to life for academics, nonexperts
Through rigorous, systematic investigation of the likes of pottery shards, stone tools, post molds and fossilized bones, archaeologists uncover and help us preserve our past.
Dark chapter of recent American history plays out brutally in ‘Detroit’
The period drama zeroes in on the 1967 riots of the Motor City that left 43 dead, 7,200 arrested and more than 2,000 buildings destroyed. The film follows a notorious raid of a motel harboring innocent patrons and shady characters caught up in the violence.
‘A Ghost Story’ reflects on loss while suggesting purgatory
The best film about purgatory you'll see this year isn't about religion or spirituality. The spirit of a deceased character must fulfill a task in order to set things right and thus be released from his earthly bonds.
What’s next for net neutrality: Open access or paid priority?
More than 10 million people weighed in on an FCC plan to change the rules on internet access. Among the supporters of preserving current regulations is the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.
Inspiring book on Mass should be required reading for all Catholics
Rooted in solid, intellectually honest, balanced scholarship, yet written in language that the average person will follow easily and enjoy, "Bored Again Catholic" is a book that will renew just about anyone's appreciation for the Mass.
Diverse writers see parents, children as vehicles for grace
Four new books about being a mom (and not being perfect), a dad (how to be good at it) and parents of an autistic 5-year-old son offer much to Catholics with or without children.
Malfunctioning icons make for techy, madcap ‘Emoji Movie’
Set within the smartphone of a high school freshman, this wacky animated comedy with themes of friendship follows three misfit emojis on their quest to reach the internet Cloud.
Degrading ‘Atomic Blonde’ wields sadistic violence, exploitative sex
Tough on the men and tender with her lady, the main character's adventures embody a pornographic adolescent fantasy anyone committed to a Christian view of human dignity should shun.
Unlikely plot turns don’t nullify good intent of ‘The Tribunal’
The marriage annulment process provides the unusual courtroom setting for this romantic drama whose Catholic values are strong, though filtered through some faulty filmmaking.