There is a certain kind of sentence that arrives like a key already cut to fit every lock. You don’t have to think too hard; you just turn it and the door opens, and behind the door there is a warm room where the world makes sense. The sentence usually sounds like this: “If a people has been chased for centuries, there must be a reason.” Sometimes it comes with … Read the rest
People say it in a relaxed voice, almost kindly: “Look, other religions are nonsense. Mine is the good one.” Then they add a few details, because details make any claim feel more serious. “Their rituals are stupid.” “They’re dirty.” “They have crazy limitations.” “They fast in the daytime and then try to cheat by turning off the lights, as if God can’t see.” Everyone laughs. The laughter has that … Read the rest
By Eric Le Roy
In the 21st century, people eager to don the mantel of idealism are inclined toward harsh judgments of the past. Often they are right, for who among us would shout, “Bring back slavery!!” Or “Cancel Human Rights!”? It’s even getting harder all the time to talk someone into advocating for the return of capital punishment.
As for me, I would be uncomfortable in a place … Read the rest
