Interviews
Recently, I was invited on The Examined Life podcast to present the case for common good conservatism. I discuss how I’ve evolved politically — from liberal to libertarian to common good conservative — then argue that abortion is a defining issue, and one of such overriding moral significance that it *could* merit a single issue vote, unless and until something of similar gravity emerges (which nothing has). We also discuss/compare common good conservatism to mainstream American republicanism and libertarianism. Part 2 should be released next week.
On the Engearment Podcast, Sean Sewell invited Aleks and I (aka “The Big Boys”) to chat our favorite metal tunes and when (and when not) to fuss over the details of fitness programming.
Blogs/Articles
I wrote a lot of Catholic/religious stuff this week…
Here’s an extended blog making The Case for Religion (and Catholicism Especially).
And here’s what I take to be the best case for “Hopeful Universalism.” I’m not super committed to this position, but I also don’t feel it gets nearly as fair a hearing as it deserves.
Eschatology also (obviously) ties into the problem of pain, and whether or not we can (in some sense) frustrate the will of God. Thoughts on that latter issue here.
On the fitness side, here’s a post on having fun with fibonacci complexes.
Finally, some thoughts on Seneca and how he answers the perennial concern of why bad things befall good men here and here.
Stuff I’m Reading/Watching/Listening To
Jay Richards examines the evidence of lockdowns in the US and concludes to their limited effectiveness. Combine this with the basic moral principle that those who impose burdens have the burden of proof, and we can rightfully say further lockdowns are not morally justified.
I’m revisiting Gaven Kerr’s excellent book on Aquinas and The Metaphysics of Creation for a current research project. Also (and related to the interview above) Chris Kaczor’s Ethics of Abortion.
I found this video examining the research/data related to COVID-19 refreshingly nuanced and important for combatting unwarranted hysteria. (Remember, I’m no expert on infectious diseases.)
I thought Bishop Barron’s (Catholic) dialogue with Cameron Bertuzzi (Protestant) was really tasteful: a hallmark of how ecumenical conversations should proceed.
Gaven Kerr alerted me to this strangely-interesting and pretty cool Papa Roach (apparently he’s still around!) tune. I’m also enjoying S&M2 with The Memory Remains being the highlight for me.