John Couretas

is a writer and editor based in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Posts by John Couretas

April 06, 2010

Socialism In Our Time

This week, Acton’s research director Samuel Gregg appeared on EWTN’s The Abundant Life for an interview titled, “Socialism: Threat to Freedom.” In the course of an hour, he discusses the philosophical origins of socialism, its various manifestations, and the manner in which its modern expressions are slowly eroding our liberties in America and Western Europe. Continue Reading...
April 05, 2010

Roepke: Beyond Technique

First Principles, the excellent Web-based resource from the Intercollegiate Studies Institute, has posted another “classic” from its extensive archive of journal articles, this one by Wilhelm Roepke. I’m snipping a kernel from “The Economic Necessity of Freedom” (Modern Age, Summer 1959) because it so succinctly and powerfully sums up why a moral framework — and our “highest values” — are necessary for a market economy that is not only efficient, but humane. Continue Reading...
April 02, 2010

Good Friday — Lamentations

Today is hung upon the Cross, He Who suspended the Earth amid the waters. A crown of thorns crowns Him, Who is the King of Angels. He, Who wrapped the Heavens in clouds, is clothed with the purple of mockery. Continue Reading...
March 31, 2010

Unbiblical Social Justice?

In a new commentary, “Beck Vs. Wallis,” Acton Research Fellow Marvin Olasky takes another look at the dispute between Glenn Beck and Jim Wallis over the meaning of social justice. Olasky, provost at The King’s College in New York, offers suggestions on how to respond to those who would define social justice as merely the expansion of the welfare state. Continue Reading...
March 25, 2010

Orthodoxy & The Public Square

Over at Koinonia, Father Gregory Jensen looks at Frank Schaeffer’s vicious, bigoted attack on Robert George in Huffington Post. And George’s response in “Natural Law” and “far right Reconstructionist extremism!” on the Mirror of Justice blog. Continue Reading...
March 24, 2010

Health Care Rights, and Wrongs

A new commentary from Dr. Donald Condit. Also see the Acton Health Care resource page. +++++++++ Health Care Rights, and Wrongs By Dr. Donald P. Condit As Speaker Nancy Pelosi promoted passage of Sunday’s health care reform bill, she invoked Catholic support. Continue Reading...
March 19, 2010

Poll: Thumbs down on the Sin Tax

From “56% Oppose ‘Sin Taxes’ on Junk Food and Soft Drinks” on Rasmussen Reports: Several cities and states, faced with big budget problems, are considering so-called “sin taxes” on things like junk food and soft drinks. Continue Reading...