

Since 1900, the Christian Century has published reporting, commentary, poetry, and essays on the role of faith in a pluralistic society.
© 2023 The Christian Century.
The authoritarian nationalism of the 20th century never quite died. And Americans now aren't wiser than Europeans then.
by Gary Dorrien
Hong Kong's democracy movement is not Christian, but many key activists are.
Does democracy create good neighbors? Or is it the other way around?
by Tim Brown
How does theology shape Jewish democracy, in light of the many competing claims and complex relationships in the land of Israel?
Amy Kittelstrom examines the overlapping ideas, personalities, and relationships of seven figures associated with what she calls the American Reformation.
reviewed by Richard R. Crocker
Between April 1831 and February 1832, two officials of the French government under Louis-Philippe toured Jacksonian America. These two officials—Alexis de Tocqueville and Gustave de Beaumont—were on assignment to research prisons in the United States and later produced a report of their findings in 1833. But while traveling through America, Tocqueville and Beaumont were also carefully observing political and social life in the new republic. Both men published works on their observations. Tocqueville wrote Democracy in America (1835/1840) and Beaumont wrote a novel, entitled Marie or, Slavery in the United States (1835).
Most Americans are familiar with Tocqueville’s work, but Beaumont’s novel is less well known.
The prospects for genuine democracy in Egypt are more remote than ever. But there are other models of Islamic politics in the region.
Sometimes when a vote doesn't go the way you want, you just have to sigh and remind yourself that this is how democracy works. Other times you have to wish that it actually did work.
The overwhelming majority of Americans support background checks for gun buyers. No matter.
This NYT Magazine list of "32 Innovations That Will Change Your Tomorrow" is fascinating. I'm especially amazed by #1 (clothing that generates electricity and charges gadgets), #6 (cars smart enough to avoid causing traffic jams) and #23 (smart teeth!). Others (#20, #31) are sort of sci-fi disturbing but only mildly so.
And then there's #14.
Century editors and contributors present their picks. When readers go to Amazon.com from this site, the Century receives a percentage of all purchases—books, appliances, apparel. The income helps support this site.
books on theology
books on spirituality
memoirs & biographies
fiction
children's literature
DVDs
classical music CDs
pop Christmas music CDs