February 2015

Vol. 80, No. 2

Cover

Why teach theology?

An interview with Susan Ross

The college classroom is an ideal place to put church teachings to the test, says this longtime theology professor. And conversations that emerge are a valuable learning experience for all students—regardless of their faith.

Web-only sidebar:

Susan Ross on the role of women in Catholic higher ed

Feature

In Galileo’s footsteps

By Michelle Bearden

When Catholic scientists put their faith under the microscope, they often discover some of God’s greatest revelations.

Web-only sidebar:

Shroud science: An allergist searches for answers about the burial cloth of Jesus

Essay

Practice what you teach

By Father James Keenan, S.J.

Universities teach ethical practices for seemingly every field but their own. Maybe it’s time for a new course on the ethics of higher ed.

Essay

Affirmative action: A major requirement

By Tanya Katerí Hernández

Catholic universities have an obligation to take action to ensure admissions don’t exclude diversity.

Sounding Board

Proud to be a cafeteria Catholic

By Isabella R. Moyer
The church has a vast menu of teachings, so what’s wrong with choosing which ones best suit your taste? In Feedback, readers pick out pros and cons of cafeteria Catholicism.

Poem: Nests are so brave and awkward

By Brian Doyle

Wise Guides: From West to East

By Father Francisco Carin, C.M.F.

Jesuit pioneer Matteo Ricci paved the way for Christian spirituality in China.

(Essays, short stories, and poems may not be available online.)

Departments

Editors’ Note

You May Be Right (Letters to the Editor)

Signs of the Times (News)

Catholic Tastes (Humor)

Reviews

At Home with Our Faith (Family spirituality)

Eye of the Beholder (Art meditation)

Glad You Asked: Can Catholics be cremated?

Columns

The Examined Life: Unfinished business
By Father Bryan Massingale

Margin Notes: A lethal mix
By Kevin Clarke

Culture in Context: A study in black and white
By Danny Duncan Collum

Testaments: Hope for Monday mornings
By Alice Camille

*Some articles are available only in the print issue. For online access to the complete digital version of the magazine, click here to subscribe.