The American Tradition of Civil Religion
Civil religion is a distinctly American tradition, an engagement with enduring principles set against two rival traditions, explains Philip Gorksi.
There is Hope in Africa
A recent global survey shows that high numbers of Africans believe that brighter days are ahead. One potential explanation: the influence of Prosperity Gospel Pentecostalism.
Winter Storm Pax and the Power of Names
As Winter Storm Pax pushes across the eastern United States this week, I find myself pondering the power of names.
Self-Knowledge in the Age of the Digital Panopticon
A short piece in the British thought journal Prospect, "Quantified Self: The Algorithm of Life," reminds me once again that satire of the dystopian variety can barely keep up with what the real world throws at us every day.
The European Issues
Readers whose interest has been whetted by the Harper's symposium on Europe should look forward to the Hedgehog's diverse delvings into Europe's current crisis.
The Best Case for the Humanities
Many years ago, a friend of mine was asked what she planned to do with her English degree after she graduated from university. Her reply was terse but only partly ironic: "I plan to read novels."