This is by far your best post. There are so many important ideas you have covered in a succinct and absoutely essential summary of Leo's encyclical.The battle lines have truly been drawn. May Leo continue to be the voice of truth and courage, and may the side of hatred, racism, injustice, and despicable greed finally go to its earned damnation.
You said it, Rosemary. His grasp of issues and his ability to clarify them for us is why I have followed Terry for many years. Also why I subscribed to his Substack darn near the first day he announced it. I can not add more to your comment. I do admit Terry’s analysis of Pope Leo’s encyclical requires a deep study. It was complicated enough to read the encyclical and I’m hoping to understand the deeper insights Terry brings into the light.
Terry. Wow. I've had some momentous life stuff recently (joyous life stuff) and was away for a few months. Finally returned today and read this. I had almost forgotten what an amazing writer (and, importantly, thinker) that you are. Glad to be a subscriber. Thank you.
At a time when 6 of the 9 Supreme Court Justices are Catholic and 5 of those 6 vote Trump conservative, it is comforting that this Pope is an American citizen.
May all of us, no matter our religion and those of us who choose to forego any religion, pay attention to this Pope.
I’m a cradle Catholic who left it behind more than 50 years ago. Pope Leo is bringing me back at least part way. His voice speaks strength and hope which we need so badly.
I have so much love and respect for Pope Leo. I was born in Chicago and have a Lutheran and Catholic family but I think I would feel the same regardless of that. His advice on AI should be taken very seriously.
Pope Leo is a moral compass, understands that diversity keeps things in balance and although he is a top spiritual leader, he is human like us. By keeping the faith and following his directives, we will be strong and prevail.
You are a WRITER, Terry. This essay is excellent. I think you magnify Leo's heartbeat here, and tell true things about the state of our culture. Yes, liberalism owes its soul to faith, though it's only obliquely acknowledged at times. But how wonderful to have Leo's voice in our day, a voice that calls out the spiritual vacuum that is this oligarch-driven agenda. You can pat yourself on the back for this one, bro.
Right you are Karen and very well put (both the praise of Terry and the vacuum of the dark agenda MAGA/MAGA adjacent/oligarth movement -- whatever we call this blob). I have been thinking for years about the huge hole Trump himself has (that he doesn't realize he is not equipped to fill, no matter which buildings, money, insults, award etc etc) and it IS this spiritual vacuum: this lack of human recognition of others and our connection to each human. Maybe you can't have personal dignity until you award personal dignity to every person?
Agreed! But not only is he a GOAT writer he is an excellent speaker who is knowledgeable on so many topics. Karen you are not a bad writer yourself. Substack is filled with the greatest talent.
This was a very important Substack today, Terry. Thank you.! I am not a Catholic, But I love Pope Leo, and I also love how you explained his encyclical so that we all could understand it. I am thankful for Pope Leo and I'm also thankful every day for your Substack newletter.
Amen. Here’s the thing: Liberalism amongst white people has ever since the civil rights movement been plagued with white guilt to the point it lacks the nerve to say the difference between authoritarian and authoritative, between telling you what to do or else and telling you what the speaker believes, warts and all. It’s not about being perfect, and it’s certainly not about inaction because one is afraid of becoming a reincarnation of past generations who freely excluded large swaths of people from having authoritative views. It’s about defending the rights and dignity of all people to exist in this world, to think and express themselves freely.
That's well said. I'm thinking the path of liberalism is turning away from the construct you describe, and back to the proud idealism that is its true heritage.
This is by far your best post. There are so many important ideas you have covered in a succinct and absoutely essential summary of Leo's encyclical.The battle lines have truly been drawn. May Leo continue to be the voice of truth and courage, and may the side of hatred, racism, injustice, and despicable greed finally go to its earned damnation.
This one, as you may have guessed, is close to my heart. Thanks, Rosemary.
You said it, Rosemary. His grasp of issues and his ability to clarify them for us is why I have followed Terry for many years. Also why I subscribed to his Substack darn near the first day he announced it. I can not add more to your comment. I do admit Terry’s analysis of Pope Leo’s encyclical requires a deep study. It was complicated enough to read the encyclical and I’m hoping to understand the deeper insights Terry brings into the light.
Thank you, Terry. Thank you, Rosemary;
Terry. Wow. I've had some momentous life stuff recently (joyous life stuff) and was away for a few months. Finally returned today and read this. I had almost forgotten what an amazing writer (and, importantly, thinker) that you are. Glad to be a subscriber. Thank you.
That's very kind. I'm lucky to be able to do this work--thanks to folks like you.
At a time when 6 of the 9 Supreme Court Justices are Catholic and 5 of those 6 vote Trump conservative, it is comforting that this Pope is an American citizen.
May all of us, no matter our religion and those of us who choose to forego any religion, pay attention to this Pope.
I’m a cradle Catholic who left it behind more than 50 years ago. Pope Leo is bringing me back at least part way. His voice speaks strength and hope which we need so badly.
As does yours. Thank you for this beautiful piece
This is beautiful. Thank goodness for Pope Leo.
Amen!
Your writing in this essay is both beautiful & profound. ( I meant essay content & writing, just to be clear. 😉)
I have so much love and respect for Pope Leo. I was born in Chicago and have a Lutheran and Catholic family but I think I would feel the same regardless of that. His advice on AI should be taken very seriously.
Pope Leo is a moral compass, understands that diversity keeps things in balance and although he is a top spiritual leader, he is human like us. By keeping the faith and following his directives, we will be strong and prevail.
Great piece! Thank you! 🕊️
You are a WRITER, Terry. This essay is excellent. I think you magnify Leo's heartbeat here, and tell true things about the state of our culture. Yes, liberalism owes its soul to faith, though it's only obliquely acknowledged at times. But how wonderful to have Leo's voice in our day, a voice that calls out the spiritual vacuum that is this oligarch-driven agenda. You can pat yourself on the back for this one, bro.
Right you are Karen and very well put (both the praise of Terry and the vacuum of the dark agenda MAGA/MAGA adjacent/oligarth movement -- whatever we call this blob). I have been thinking for years about the huge hole Trump himself has (that he doesn't realize he is not equipped to fill, no matter which buildings, money, insults, award etc etc) and it IS this spiritual vacuum: this lack of human recognition of others and our connection to each human. Maybe you can't have personal dignity until you award personal dignity to every person?
Agreed! But not only is he a GOAT writer he is an excellent speaker who is knowledgeable on so many topics. Karen you are not a bad writer yourself. Substack is filled with the greatest talent.
This was a very important Substack today, Terry. Thank you.! I am not a Catholic, But I love Pope Leo, and I also love how you explained his encyclical so that we all could understand it. I am thankful for Pope Leo and I'm also thankful every day for your Substack newletter.
Thanks very much.
Amen. Here’s the thing: Liberalism amongst white people has ever since the civil rights movement been plagued with white guilt to the point it lacks the nerve to say the difference between authoritarian and authoritative, between telling you what to do or else and telling you what the speaker believes, warts and all. It’s not about being perfect, and it’s certainly not about inaction because one is afraid of becoming a reincarnation of past generations who freely excluded large swaths of people from having authoritative views. It’s about defending the rights and dignity of all people to exist in this world, to think and express themselves freely.
That's well said. I'm thinking the path of liberalism is turning away from the construct you describe, and back to the proud idealism that is its true heritage.
The Pope's Encyclical, Trump and his globalist oligarchs in China: it seems time to stop identifying the elitist, Trump MAGA movement as "populist."
There is nothing left of top-down MAGA populism but political lies. We who are opposed to it are now, clearly the only remaining populists.
Great point. Talarico's statement after Paxton's win in Texas hits that nail right on the head. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DY0t4H4x26W/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
He makes the same point in notes to donors: "The People vs Paxton."
Thank you for starting my day with an uplifting view of humanity:)
Beautiful but I’d like to know what his holiness said to the cubs fan
He hollered out, "Han perdido! They lost!" Ouch.
You are OUR voice....bless you!
This really made me stop and think--a lot! Thank you