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Boston Globe
4 days ago
- Politics
- Boston Globe
A book that changed my mind: ‘The Screwtape Letters'
Get The Gavel A weekly SCOTUS explainer newsletter by columnist Kimberly Atkins Stohr. Enter Email Sign Up By high school, I had discovered a predilection for Nietzsche's 'The Genealogy of Morality,' believing that many of society's shortcomings were the direct result of Christianity's 'turn the other cheek' mentality, which seemed to me to be the antithesis to the establishment of justice. Advertisement By 18, I had gone through 12 years of school without ever once having encountered religious texts, doctrines, or ideas in a positive light. Reared on the scientific method, I saw the universe as a series of models: Mathematics could explain the optimal number of people to date before settling down, and cost-benefit analysis could calculate whether having children was worth the carbon footprint. I aligned myself with atheist intellectuals — Sam Harris, Robert Sapolsky, Christopher Hitchens — whose frameworks I believed would help me best make sense of our complex world. Advertisement Around that same time, I was assigned books from the Old Testament in my freshman literature seminar and learned to look at the Bible as a collection of stories that had informed the development of literary history rather than as a religious text to be taken seriously. That same year, the election of Donald Trump caused me to roll my eyes once more at religious fanatics who were blindsided by some words written in an old book. It might not have been until my early 20s that I first directly interacted with anyone who held religious sensibilities. I had met secular people from religious backgrounds, but I had never encountered anyone who believed any of the words printed in the Holy Bible or who spent their weekends at church or a synagogue. And I distinctly remember the first devout Catholic I had ever had a conversation with, because he did not strike me as your typical Catholic at all: He was raised by Buddhist parents in Hong Kong and converted to Christianity after becoming convinced that Christianity would bring him closest to 'the Truth.' I was puzzled. How could someone with whom I had just spent 30 minutes arguing about creationism possibly have any sort of stake in 'the Truth'? But my new friend — who likely believed that I was going to Hell for my atheism — wanted me to be open-minded. As he saw it, I might never believe in the same version of reality that guided his day-to-day experiences, but I could certainly find value in many of religion's moral teachings. Advertisement I was skeptical. My idea of religious morality had always come from Nietzsche — the philosopher who believed that religion was a system designed to glorify meekness and guilt while stifling human potential. What could religion possibly have to teach me about morality? But my friend recommended that I read C.S. Lewis's 'The Screwtape Letters' — a book he believed would speak to my English-major sensibilities — and I decided to humor him. 'The Screwtape Letters' is an epistolary novel written from the perspective of Screwtape — one of Satan's senior demons — to his nephew Wormwood, a novice demon who is assigned an unnamed 'Patient' to lead away from God and down the path of temptation. Though I went into the book with an open mind, I was initially unconvinced that I would find anything to relate to in its pages — my way of life was so vastly different, after all, from that of someone like C.S. Lewis, a devout Anglican convert whose world was populated by formal theology and Latin quotations. But the further I read, the more I forgot that the book had anything to do with God or the Devil or Christianity at all — Lewis was simply proposing a philosophy for how to live well. In one letter, for instance, Lewis, speaking through the voice of Screwtape, explores the idea that doing nothing is worse than doing something actively evil, because it suggests an utter absence of purpose. How many times have we gleaned similar prescriptions from studies demonstrating the harm, for instance, of scrolling for hours on end through social media? In another letter, Lewis critiques the modern obsession with constant change and progress, arguing that such a fixation can lead to restlessness and dissatisfaction. Wasn't I witnessing this very phenomenon at Columbia University, where students lost nights of sleep and popped Adderalls just to chase the latest thing to add to their resume? Advertisement And in my favorite letter, Lewis underscores the ideal of love as self-sacrificial, rooted in action rather than in fleeting 'romantic' emotion. The strongest relationships were based not on passion but on commitment — and I had seen this play out in the loving household that I came from. These were not solely 'Christian' beliefs — these were ideas that anyone could adopt to live a better life. After finishing 'Screwtape,' I grew fascinated by the development of religion in our society. I read Thomas Aquinas and St. Augustine and began to see their ideas crop up in day-to-day life — even in many of the tenets of secular humanism that I had so deeply idolized from childhood. I didn't believe that Eve had been created out of the rib of Adam or that Adam had been created in the likeness of God, but I sure as hell believed in something like sin — the idea that some actions, such as murder, were categorically immoral. In abandoning religion, we — the secular rational humanists of progressive dogma — might be missing a large chunk of the puzzle of human existence. Religion, after all, is a set of narratives that grapple with morality — ideas that teach us to discern right from wrong. Today, when we are in desperate need of societal harmony, borrowing ideas from religious morality systems can help many of us avoid falling into depression, raise our children in stable two-parent households, and promote learning over violence. Such values are not arbitrary — they are ideas that have kept many societies from devolving into anarchy. They are the values that have upheld civilizations for centuries — and perhaps even made them possible. Advertisement I'm still far from religious, but I've come to appreciate the moral architecture that religion provides in a stable society — and I believe that it deserves a place in contemporary life. After all, are those of us who turn up our noses at religious people any better than the same religious people who reject evolution or believe in the afterlife? We secular humanists might have lots to teach creationists, but they have plenty to teach us. Perhaps true enlightenment lies not in rejecting tradition, but in rediscovering the wisdom buried within it. This is part of a series from Globe Ideas about how people change their minds. If you'd like to write about a book or film or other work that made you reconsider your point of view on an issue, we're accepting submissions at ideas@
Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
David Beckham health update as star taken to hospital for secret surgery
EXCLUSIVE: Football icon David Beckham has been admitted to hospital for an operation as his wife Victoria Beckham stayed by his side to support him through the tough time David Beckham is recovering in hospital after an operation on his wrist which has been causing him pain - but he won't let it get in the way of football. His loving wife Victoria Beckham shared a snap of him lying in bed, with his arm in a sling. "Get well soon, Daddy," she wrote over the snap of him smiling while wearing a hospital gown. She also gave him a friendship bracelet made with white beads to form 'Get Well Soon'. The couple have yet to reveal what happened to the former England star. A source close to David confirmed Sir David underwent secret surgery to repair a broken wrist that he sustained 22 years ago - during a friendly football match against South Africa in 2003. 'It had been giving him problems recently and so he wanted to get it fixed,' the source confirmed. They also added that he planned to check out of the hospital soon and 'hoped' to be able to get to Atlanta in time for his Inter Miami football team's next knockout match in the Fifa world Cup against his former club Paris Saint Germain on Sunday. David's injury comes amid a family feud with eldest son Brooklyn Beckham and his wife, Nicola Peltz. Brooklyn, 26, and Nicola, 30, have made headlines in recent weeks over speculation of a 'feud' with his family, including his parents David, 50, and Victoria, 51. Expressing his love for Nicola, whom he tagged, Brooklyn teased in the caption that she's his world. He wrote "my" alongside an emoji depicting the globe. Beside a heart emoji, he also commented over the photo: "My absolute angel." A few hours later, he returned to his page to share a message to David's mother Sandra in a rare show of love towards his own family. He marked his grandmother's birthday with a post that included a photo of him beside her. Brooklyn wrote: "Happy birthday nanny xx love you so much." It is thought to have marked him reaching out for the first time to his family on social media. Meanwhile, David shared a gushing post of his own to celebrate his mother's birthday. He even gave Brooklyn a nod as he refused to give into the recent slew of social media digs and snubs from his son. The caption of the post also mentioned David's son Brooklyn, despite the pair allegedly falling out. Brooklyn has snubbed many big family occasions in the last few months, with him and Nicola not showing up to celebrate Victoria's 51st birthday or David's milestone 50th birthday celebrations in Paris and London. They also remained silent since the news that the former England player has finally been awarded his long-sought-after knighthood. However, the hot sauce enthusiast made sure to wish Nicola's father, Nelson, a happy birthday in a sweet post shared on his Stories this week.
Time of India
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Kansas City Chiefs coach Steve Spagnuolo mocks Travis Kelce's college GPA on 'New Heights' podcast
Travis Kelce (via Getty Images) Kansas City Chiefs superstar Travis Kelce , three-time Super Bowl champion and one of the NFL 's greatest-ever characters, received a friendly jab from defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. In a joke, the old-school coach teased Travis Kelce about his college GPA, which elicited laughter and the realization that football IQ and class GPA aren't always the same thing. Travis Kelce embraces college history as Kansas City Chiefs coach Steve Spagnuolo cracks GPA joke Steve Spagnuolo, affectionately referred to throughout the league as "Spags," came on Travis Kelce and Jason Kelce's hit show, and the conversation strayed from football schemes into other areas. When talking about football intelligence among players on the "New Heights" podcast, Steve Spagnuolo added the phrase "Football Get It"—his terminology for innate football intelligence. "I value what I call 'Football Get It,'" Spagnuolo said, setting up his punchline. "Listen, you don't have to be a 4.0 student in college. I mean, I don't ask about GPAs, right? Trav wouldn't be able to play defense if we were asking about GPAs. " Pin Up Jason, Donna Joins The Traitors and Fatherly "Ed-Vice" with Ed Kelce | EP 143 The moment elicited chuckles from the Kelce brothers and fans, especially since Travis Kelce has built a Hall of Fame-caliber career with three Super Bowl wins, numerous Pro Bowl appearances, and an expanding media presence that now crosses over into pop culture via his relationship with singer Taylor Swift. Travis admits to Chiefs' Steve Spagnuolo the one interception he's ever thrown went completely rogue In spite of the joke, there's no question that Steve Spagnuolo has a healthy regard for Travis Kelce's football IQ—and Kelce frequently compliments the Chiefs' coaching staff for fostering a winning culture. The team has won three Super Bowls since Spagnuolo arrived with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2019, with Kelce's on-off dominance mirrored by the defense's game-winning efforts. Also read: 'She's living her teenage dream': Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's love story might've been written In the elite sporting world, intelligence isn't always marked on a grade report. Travis Kelce's rise from the brink of academic suspension to NFL stardom is a testament to hard work, ability, and knowing oneself. His friendly repartee with Steve Spagnuolo is merely another demonstration of the chemistry behind the Kansas City Chiefs' consistent success—and the humor that keeps the locker room humble. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here . Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
Boston Globe
15-06-2025
- Politics
- Boston Globe
At the ready: an organized protest movement
Get The Gavel A weekly SCOTUS explainer newsletter by columnist Kimberly Atkins Stohr. Enter Email Sign Up Considering this administration's pushback against diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, an organization such as White Men for Racial Justice can play a distinct role in showing that an influential cohort can fight for a cause they're not typically associated with. Advertisement Sean O'Connell Stoughton She's at it again, more than 50 years after protesting Vietnam War Michael Ansara's Ideas piece brought back memories of my husband Herb and me demonstrating against the Vietnam War, pushing our toddlers in a stroller. I'm at it again, surrounded by my contemporaries now in our 70s, 80s, and beyond, protesting the Trump administration. We will never give in to this dictator. My message to those who feel the same way is this: Join us in the streets, in town government, at the State House, in Congress, and let's work together to save democracy and free speech. As Ansara writes, 'The only path to stopping Trump is a massive popular opposition.' Advertisement Sylvia Belkin Peabody
Boston Globe
10-06-2025
- Politics
- Boston Globe
Ayotte signs ‘parental bill of rights' bill into law in N.H., fulfilling key GOP goal
Protesters gathered in the hallway outside of Ayotte's office ahead of the signing to express their opposition to the bills. Advertisement The parental bill of rights, Get N.H. Morning Report A weekday newsletter delivering the N.H. news you need to know right to your inbox. Enter Email Sign Up It states that, 'All parental rights are reserved to the parents of a minor child in this state without obstruction or interference from any school.' Under the new law, a parent can bring a lawsuit against the school for relief and monetary damages if they believe their parental rights have been violated. Advertisement The law is also meant to require new notifications to parents about their rights. It requires school boards to post a copy of the parental bill of rights on their website and in their school handbook, in addition to developing policies to promote parental involvement and establish procedures so parents can object to instructional materials. 'I am glad to sign it as a mom of two children, and I can tell you that as I look at the children who are here today, there's nothing more important for the future of New Hampshire than our children,' Ayotte said. The bill includes a new mandatory disclosure provision that has sparked controversy. The measure requires school personnel to provide 'accurate, truthful, and complete disclosure regarding any and all matters related to their minor child' within 10 business days if an immediate answer cannot be provided. That measure has drawn criticism from LGBTQ and civil liberties advocates, who said it could require educators to forcibly 'out' children to their parents. 'Politicians likewise chose to insert themselves in conversations between young people, their parents, and teachers, by passing bills that would require teachers to reveal a student's gender or sexuality, rather than suggest a conversation between the parent and their student,' said Linds Jakows, the founder of 603 Equality, in a statement calling on Ayotte to veto HB 10. Democrats have also raised concerns over language in the bill that they said would raise the bar for reporting child abuse to 'clear and convincing evidence.' Deb Howes, president of the AFT-NH, a teacher's union, shared those concerns. 'Most of the things are already in state law, but one thing this bill does is it changes standards for reporting abuse and standards for DCYF to act on it,' she said. Advertisement 'There are going to be instances where you're putting children in danger,' she said. Republicans have argued the bill will not impact reporting of child abuse, and they have celebrated the passage of the legislation, which was among their priorities. 'Gone are the days of parents being purposefully and vindictively kept in the dark and lied to when they inquire and voice their concerns about their children,' said Representative Deb DeSimone, an Atkinson Republican and chair of the House Children and Family Law Committee in a statement ahead of the bill signing. 'HB 10 affirms that parents have a voice and the ultimate say in their children's education, cementing that parents and teachers are partners in education.' House Majority Leader Jason Osborne called the advancement of both bills 'major victories.' 'These aren't just policy wins—they're proof of what happens when we hold the line and play hard-nosed, disciplined ball,' he said in a statement last week after the Legislature sent the bills to Ayotte's desk. Ayotte also signed 'As a mom, I can't think of anything more important than making sure that every child in this state has the opportunity to reach his or her full potential in the setting that works best for them in terms of education,' Ayotte said on Tuesday. Advertisement Amanda Gokee can be reached at
