Michael Sean Winters

Distinctly Catholic: I joined the Academy of Catholic Hispanic Theologians of the United States for the second day of their two-day virtual colloquium. The meeting's focus was refreshing and, I suspect, seminal.

Michael Sean Winters rounds up political news and commentary: New survey of U.S. Jews; from George W. to Trump; an emerging GOP megadonor; arguments for canceling student debt; art in the U.K. and architecture in China.

Distinctly Catholic: As they withdraw their states from federal unemployment benefits, the GOP governors are correct that the government should not provide a disincentive to work — but that does not exhaust the moral responsibility of government.

Round-up of political news and commentary: Gaslighting unites; inflation fears; infrastructure solutions over the rails; synodality analysis from Massimo Faggioli; and cows

Distinctly Catholic: With the conservative media acting like the Ladaria letter doesn't say what it said, the U.S. bishops' conference finds itself once again in an awkward situation when it comes to credibility, autonomy and unity. 

Michael Sean Winters rounds up political news and commentary: Update on the Catholic University of America; time and the pandemic change Democrats; a chaplain's experience at a contemporary liberal arts school.

Cardinal Luis Ladaria's letter systematically pulls apart the rhetorical building blocks that had been assembled by the advocates of denying Communion to President Joe Biden.

Distinctly Catholic: The TV game show "Jeopardy!" first aired in 1964 — the same year NCR was founded. Alex Trebek hosted the show from its 1984 revival until his death in 2020. "What is, 'Let's have a little fun'?"

Distinctly Catholic: A big lie has emerged at the heart of the GOP — that Donald Trump is the legitimate president because the 2020 election was stolen. Until that lie is dispatched, American democracy is radically unsafe.

Michael Sean Winters rounds up political news and commentary: CEOs waffle on voting; the way to organize solidarity; reuniting migrant families separated at the border; asking Paul Ryan about the 'big lie.'

Distinctly Catholic: It's time for another installment, since tweets, columns and comments from certain conservative Catholics are piling up.

Round-up of political news and commentary: Remembering the Jan. 6 insurrection; Republican loyalty and destruction; best pizza; correction about Leonard Bernstein's recorded works

Distinctly Catholic: All Catholics should approach the Eucharist in fear and trembling, but also in hope and confidence. However great our sins, God's mercy is yet greater. That goes for President Joe Biden too.

Round-up of political news and commentary: Wealth accumulation slow for younger people; Great Society-type reforms have unintended consequences; problems with "faculty lounge politics"

Distinctly Catholic: President Joe Biden delivered his first address to Congress last night. It was not the best speech we have heard. It was some of the best politics we have heard in a long time.

Distinctly Catholic: Most of the speakers at an April 23 virtual conference, which focused on President Joe Biden's presidency, are confused in ways that are unique (and common) to ideologues.

Michael Sean Winters rounds up political news and commentary: More faults of the Pennsylvania grand jury report; hopeful climate news from Denmark; saving the Democrats from themselves; a hit job on Cardinal Cupich.

Distinctly Catholic: President Biden announced climate policy changes that angered politicians and especially activists on both the right and the left — usually a telltale sign that the correct path has been charted.

Distinctly Catholic: Chicago Cardinal Blase Cupich has told the community of St. Sabina to stop obstructing the investigation of their pastor, who is accused of sex abuse. The current situation is critical.

Distinctly Catholic: Best essay on religion; unionizing requires a culture shift; how about a wealth tax; recuse, Justice Coney Barrett; the imperfect definition of "nones"