Topic: Robert Putnam

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If church feels empty

A Christian Science perspective: What can satisfy the heart's yearning for real comfort and compassion?
The Monitor's View: Makings of a real Thanksgiving? Hospitality to strangers.

Opening one's home at Thanksgiving to those less fortunate evokes the spirit of that first feast of gratitude between Pilgrims and Indians – a shared table of different peoples.
The Monitor's View: Charity begins where?

A study of giving by Americans shows the different amounts and the goals of their charity, as reflected to a degree in the giving by Romney and Obama. But the motives for giving are still a source of study.
The Monitor's View: Feeling poor? Wealthy? Here's a reason why.

More studies probe gaps between people, especially in income. This trend only reinforces a self-image based on stereotypes and relative comparisons. Isn't identity anchored first in the absolutes of life?
Opinion: 'Having it all' is so 1980s

The debate about Anne-Marie Slaughter’s Atlantic cover story on women and 'having it all' – career and family – is out of touch with the modern family. As a young couple, our question is how can we have just enough? We’re attuned to core joys, not status and acquisition.
Editor's Blog Doing well by doing good

Altruism in the glue of society, the "social capital" that binds human and financial capital. Communities where people care for one another also have lower unemployment rates and higher quality of life.
The Monitor's View: The Ann Romney flap and women's roles

The flap over the Hilary Rosen comment about stay-at-home mom Ann Romney only exposes a deeper issue about self-sacrifice – for both men and women.
Opinion: Super Tuesday: Churches that embrace Santorum, Gingrich drive youth away

Rick Santorum and Newt Gingrich (both Catholic) make regular campaign stops at evangelical churches and are often met with raucous applause. But such displays of partisan faith are partly responsible for the recent mass exodus of young people from Christian churches.
The Monitor's View: God save the queen – and society – at lunch

In America and Britain, ideas to integrate a diverse society are being touted and tested. One idea is a 'big lunch' of neighbors for Queen Elizabeth's diamond jubilee. But can government enhance social cohesion?
Religiously active people more likely to engage in civic life, Pew study finds

The Pew study authors say their findings counter the view that religiously active people are less engaged with the secular world. Increased trust of others and optimism about one's impact on the community are cited as factors.
The Monitor's View: Missing ingredient for a debt ceiling deal

Obama and Republicans need to first create trust in one another – by recognizing each other's concerns – before a grand bargain on the debt ceiling can be reached. Europe showed how in its Greek debt rescue.
Pirates and 26 other sequels this year: Are Hollywood execs ruining movies?

By one count, Americans will be served a record 27 movie sequels this year: Pirates of the Caribbean, Spy Kids, Cars 2, The Hangover Part II, Happy Feet 2, Kung Fu Panda 2, etc., etc. Have Hollywood moguls gone overboard on sequels?
Egypt's deadly rumors of interfaith marriage

Last weekend's riot between Muslims and Coptic Christians in Egypt that killed 13 people was not the first time a rumor about an interfaith marriage set off sectarian violence there. Egyptian religions set marriage rules, forbidding interfaith unions. It's a matter of civil law in the US.
Opinion: Why 'God is personal, never private'

In a world of greater diversity and proximity, religion is everyone's business – a source of conflict, but also cooperation. The world's religions have one common call: to serve others. When people of faith unite around this shared value, they strengthen the public sphere.
American Grace

Will religion push us closer – or pull us apart?
A nomad nation settles down

Americans were once known for constantly being on the move. Recent trends indicate they are putting down roots whether they want to or not.
Difference Maker Extreme do-gooders – what makes them tick?

Five extraordinary social entrepreneurs talk about their defining moments - when the urge to change the world gathered such force they couldn't ignore it.
The Internet as online confessional

As the number of sites inviting anonymous confessions grow, what do all these revelations achieve?
Opinion: The next generation of willing and ready volunteers: baby boomers

Enlisting even a fraction of them to volunteer would be a boon for the US.
Opinion: Why so much aid for the poor has made so little difference

Is poverty cultural or technical? Such debates shouldn't impede progress.
Letters to the Editor

Readers write about the way multiculturalism shapes America.
Does the human mind have the power to cure the body?

Harvard University scholar Anne Harrington looks at healing through the mind-body connection.
Can the human mind cure the body?

Harvard University scholar Anne Harrington looks at healing through the mind-body connection.