The Brian Lehrer Show 100 Years of 100 Things: Commonweal and American Catholicism
Apr 14, 2025
Dominic Preziosi, editor of Commonweal Magazine, sheds light on the publication's 100-year legacy and its role in shaping American Catholicism. He discusses the significant shift in the church due to immigration, leading to a more diverse congregation. Preziosi highlights influential figures like Dorothy Day and Thomas Merton in transforming Catholic thought and engagement. The conversation also delves into contradictions in faith and politics, reflecting on how traditional values clash with contemporary political actions, framed by the impacts of Vatican II and other seismic events.
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Commonweal's Liberal Catholic Insight
- Commonweal magazine embraces a liberal Catholic perspective that appreciates the tension between Catholicism and American democracy.
- It welcomes voices from across the spectrum, emphasizing healthy, open debate.
Nuanced View on Nuclear Deterrence
- Commonweal addresses complex issues like nuclear deterrence without oversimplification.
- The magazine highlights the tension between the ideal of disarmament and the practical need for deterrence in an imperfect world.
Immigration Shapes American Catholicism
- Immigration remains central to the growth and character of American Catholicism.
- The Church's demographic shifted from European roots to a vibrant and diverse immigrant base including Hispanics and Asians.