How Democracies Die By Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt Let me confess up front: I have not yet read this book. I’m screwing up my courage to do so. However, I’ve heard just enough about it to be extremely concerned and intrigued. The authors argue that in recent times authoritarian leaders have actually come toContinue reading “How Democracies Die”
Category Archives: Recommendations
Marriage
As Martin Luther wrote, “There is no more lovely, friendly, and charming relationship, communion, or company than a good marriage.” I couldn’t agree more. And not just because my wife and I are about to celebrate our 27th wedding anniversary, I promise. The fact of the matter is that I’m a big fan ofContinue reading “Marriage”
An Australian Parable of the Return of the Prodigal Son
Palm Sunday and Holy Week are not my favorite liturgical season. I endure them in anticipation of Easter. And so, this year I’ve frittered away the final days of Lent and Holy Week binge-watching The Heart Guy, an Australian television series. I have a soft spot for Australia, and Australian television programs give me theContinue reading “An Australian Parable of the Return of the Prodigal Son”
Sinking into Silence
Each year I try to spend a week in silent retreat. With my travel schedule, that can be a challenge. However, if I attach the retreat to other travel, so that I’m already away from the temptations of the office and the “to do” lists of home, I can sometimes swing it.
And the winner is…
Several years ago our daughter talked us into hosting an Oscars night party. We were initially reluctant. Now it’s a thing. We think up a thematic menu to serve, distribute ballots to our guests, award points according to categories, and then at the end of the evening award a mini-Oscar trophy to the personContinue reading “And the winner is…”
Friendship
For reasons I can’t entirely explain, I recently downloaded audiobook versions of The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt and A Little Life: A Novel by Hanya Yanagihara. I had read both of these books within the last three years, so their plots and characters were still very much on my mind. Perhaps that is why IContinue reading “Friendship”
Salvator Mundi
On Wednesday morning I met Christ on my way to work. If you want to catch him, he is currently at Christie’s auction house in New York City until Wednesday, November 15th at noon. After that no one knows where he will go. Stop by if you have a chance.
Binge Watching for God (Part Two)
Last week, I explored the role that God plays in the lives of four of the five 30-something Orthodox Jewish Jerusalemites in the Israeli television series Srugim. This week, we learn what the angel that God sends to Amir has to say.
Binge Watching for God (Part One)
One of my vices is binge watching foreign television series on Netflix or Amazon. I’m not proud of this. Most of the time it’s cotton candy for the mind. But sometimes, when you least expect it, you find God.
Rob's Reflections 