Spencer and Laurie discuss AI, data centers and the possibility of ethical guidelines from the Church and other sources in this July 2026 episode of Dustbowl Diatribes. The “Secret Grange,” for patrons of the Maurin Academy only, followed.
On Saturday, August 15th, at 12:00 PM US Central Time, Dr. Hugo Drochon will give a guest lecture drawing on his recently published book, Elites and Democracy. Lecture Description: A central paradox of democracies is that they are always ruled by elites. What can democracy mean in this context? In Elites and Democracy, Hugo Drochon argues … Read more
Starting on Wednesday, August 12th, Caleb Owens will be teaching a course titled “The Sermon on the Mount Over the Centuries: From the Early Church to Christian Anarchism.” Through a close reasing of The Sermon on the Mount as well as influential commentaries, the course will discuss the various interpretations of the Sermon as well … Read more
Spencer and Laurie interview Chris Smaje, author of (most recently) Finding Lights in a Dark Age.
Spencer and Laurie discuss Isaiah Berlin’s liberal nationalism and ask whether liberalism can be held in balance with nationalism, and even whether this uncomfortable mix is inevitable.
In this essay, JPII Farm Worker Scholar Natalie Finn reflects on her work at the farm and shows appreciation for its many animals. Check it out: LINK TO POST
Starting Monday, June 1 and meeting for five consecutive Mondays, Laurie Johnson will take participants through some of the more important concepts related to food and agriculture through the lens of Christianity. This class will focus on our connection with the land, our moral obligations to the land and the life that occupies it and how thinking about agriculture and food differently can shape our spirituality in a positive direction. One does not need to be a Christian to benefit from the class, since the focus is on food and agriculture–all are welcome.
For April Fools this year, we cover a millennial touchstone television series about growing up, or at least about trying to.
As a part of her ongoing research on Peter Maurin, Dr. Laurie Johnson shares this brief note on Maurin’s port of entry into the United States. View on Substack: LINK TO POST
In this essay, JPII Farm Worker Scholar Natalie Finn discusses some of the practical work involved with small-scale, regenerative agriculture and connects this to broader philosophical themes. Check it out: LINK TO POST