At first glance, Monty was one of the most physically unattractive people I had ever seen.

David Simon's effort to imaginatively portray the complexities of contemporary life in his television series The Wire (my favourite piece of television in a long, long time) is understood by Elijah Anderson as ultimately cynical and by Jacob Weisberg as ultimately hopeful. It is difficult to seriously talk about the complexities of the heartbreaking world in which we live without appearing cynical. And yet, even the most gimlet-eyed and hard-bitten of us yearn for hope.

Comment is a journal of public opinion bringing christian voices to the dialogue in the public sphere, seeking the common good . . .

Father Luigi Giussani founded a worldwide Catholic lay movement that relives the unity and intensity of the apostles—in the midst of ordinary, workaday life.

Understanding the dangers and opportunities of the Central Kingdom.

Forging a public theology relevant for our times.

Fourth in a Comment series on underappreciated artists.

It would be a sign of hope for Christians to take the lead in making room for Muslims out of Christian conviction.