But first, these may be the smartest sentences I’ve read so far about Obama’s speech at Notre Dame:

… There is no straight line between doubt and a universalized discourse; doubt has a background too, and in the case of Catholic faith its not one that necessarily defaults to secular reasoning.  (Not incidentally, this is the same stone that tripped Cuomo 23 years ago at the same institution.)

Still, there’s much to be said of using the example of works as a starting place for discussion, and as a moral guidepost, and Obama’s emphasis on it in his own life reflects an understanding of that fact.   Contra Rawls (and Obama), it’s not the universals we’re going to agree on, it’s the particulars, and if we want to put together a viable religious culture in this country we would do well to keep our focus on them.

What’s that? Oh, the news. Yes. Well, the news is that the author of these sentences and many brilliant others, one H.C. Johns of The Other Right, is going to be guest-blogging in these parts while I’m in Virginia for a couple of weeks beginning this Wednesday. I’m not going to be totally absent during that time, just a bit less present, and I’m really grateful that H.C. is willing to help pick up the slack. So give him a welcome, check out his first-rate blog, and buckle up for some more intellectualosity.

Addendum: Alan’s sentences about Obama’s Notre Dame speech are a must-read, too.

     Filed under: personal, philosophy, politics, religion