Turning Problems into Potential: Positive Social Movement Dynamics
by Rachel M. MacNair There are several features of social movements commonly seen as problems. Yet when underlying psychological dynamics are understood, they can be explained and accommodated. At times, they can even be converted to positive developments. So Many Problems We Have One such feature is a perception that one’s own movement has a…
Does J.D. Vance’s appeal to an ordo amoris (a ranking of love) make any sense?
In January 2025, U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance cited the Catholic concept of “ordo amoris” in the context of the debate over immigration. He said that “there’s this old-school [concept]—and I think it’s a very Christian concept, by the way—that you love your family, and then you love your neighbor, and then you love your…
Misleading and Distracting Language on Abortion
by Ms. Boomer-ang In many points relating to abortion, the most commonly-heard voices distract our attention from what we really need to know and keep us focused on minor or misleading parts of the story. Following are examples: 1. Media reporting on parents trying (unsuccessfully or successfully) to prevent their daughters from having abortions…
Why a War of “Regime Change” in Iran Would Be a Catastrophe
by John Whitehead What direction the conflict between Israel and the United States and Iran will take is unknown. As of this writing, the ceasefire between Israel and Iran is holding and the United States has not bombed Iran again since June 22. We can hope this situation continues. Military conflict among these nations might…