First Things - March 2006

The March issue of First Things is packed with interesting articles. No links to be found on their site, but you could order a copy to be treated to these articles:

The Truth About Religious Freedom by Michael Novak

The religious foundation for religious liberty, therefore, begins with the nature of God. It also sketches out its conviction about the nature of human beings: that we are born free and equal to all others in freedom before God, and that, independent of the state, each of us owes duties to our Creator. Based on these convictions, the religious justification of religious liberty as expressed by the Virginians is founded on the natural right of human beings, as these have been endowed in human beings by their Creator.

So thorough and profound are these rights, moreover, they are not limited to Jews or Christians, but possessed by all human creatures - Muslims, Hindus, and Buddhists alike, together with atheists and agnostics. For all are given their liberty directly by the Creator, in the act of creating human beings. From before time was, the Creator knew each individual by name and called all to Himself - but allowed to all the right to accept or to reject that invitation, according to their own conscience.

The Writing Life by Ralph M. McInerny

It is the rare reader of fiction who does not at some time or other consider becoming a writer. It comes and goes over the years for many, and some carry it about forever as an unredeemed promissory note to themselves. In their heart of hearts, they regard themselves as writers. When my first novel appeared, I got a note from a senior colleague to the effect that it was sly of me not only to think of writing a novel but actually to do it. The capacity, apparently, like depravity for Calvin, was taken to be universal.

This essay is adapted from Mr. McInerny's forthcoming autobiography, I Alone Have Escaped to Tell You: My Life and Pastimes (University of Notre Dame Press.) I always enjoy seeing the titles of autobiographies. A favorite was found in the Bas Bleu catalog. Their employees were featured in the catalog, complete with the question, "What would be the title of your autobiography?" One woman answered, Finally, a Book About Me! (the perfect title for a book reviewer's autobiography.) Any ideas for your autobiography?