A nationwide community of readers awaits this version of ‘Quiet Fire’
OUR COVER STORY THIS WEEK tells the fascinating story of how Duncan Newcomer, a Lincoln scholar based in Maine, coined the phrase “Quiet Fire” to describe Abraham Lincoln’s passion for both justice and for the healing of deep wounds in American life. And, we learn in this story, how that message evolved from early radio broadcasts and online columns toward a “big book” coming in 2025 that will explore Lincoln’s complex spiritual life in depth.
Meanwhile, our Cover Story also includes a video interview with Duncan Newcomer that you can watch right now—plus links to an earlier Quiet Fire book by Duncan and online access to some of Duncan’s original radio broadcasts via Spotify.
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From Our Community of Writers—
Who speaks for the more than 50 million American Catholics?
We’re publishing answers to this red-hot question
IN A NEWSY FRONT EDGE PUBLISHING COLUMN, this week, MSU School of Journalism professor Joe Grimm reports on the war of words unfolding over the authority to speak to and for millions of Catholics. Pope Frances has just released a major encyclical about the problem of vicious competition around the world that threatens the compassionate hearts of faithful people. Meanwhile, across the central United States, some conservative political mud slingers are distributing fake Catholic newspapers, claiming to speak for the church. MSU’s Joe Grimm explains what’s going on—and he provides valuable links to read more about each of these unfolding news stories. If you care about the Catholic church, this is a story to read and share with friends via social media.
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Where is Rodney Curtis now?
RECOGNIZE THE LOCATION? If so, then you’re certain to enjoy seeing Rodney’s photos—and reading his story—in “Part 1” of his latest global adventure.
But wait! There’s more! After that first column, Rodney posted a second column that you won’t want to miss with more gorgeous photos as he continues his adventure.
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Holidays & Festivals
Celebrating Under Many Names:
Allhallowtide, Dia de los Muertos, Samhain
STEPHANIE FENTON HAS THE STORY FOR US, this week, explaining the main variations on this holiday—and, of course, providing helpful links to DIY costumes and tasty holiday foods as well.
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WANT TO SEE ALL OF THE UPCOMING HOLIDAYS & FESTIVALS? It’s easy to find our annual calendar of global observances. Just remember the web address: InterfaithHolidays.com
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Faith & Film
Click on this image to read an illustrated tribute to the life of Faith & Film critic Edward McNulty (1936-2024).
ED McNULTY, for decades, published reviews, magazine articles and books exploring connections between faith and film. Here are some of Ed’s final reviews:
- THE BEAR—Ed writes about why The Bear has become such a beloved TV series.
- CHESLEY BONESTELL—If you’re a nostalgic fan of science fiction, you’ll definitely want to see this documentary about the remarkable artist who envisioned the far-flung scenes that showed up in many sci-fi classics. Today, Bonestell is known as the “Father of Modern Space Art.”
- GOOD ONE—Ed highly recommends this indie coming-of-age film that unfolds over a hike in upstate New York.
- HAROLD and the PURPLE CRAYON—”Director Carlos Saldanha’s adaptation of the beloved 1955 children’s classic by Crockett Johnson gives us the adult version of the original series about a four-year old and his magical purple crayon who lives inside a book.”
- MY PENGUIN FRIEND—“I love interspecies films such as Fly Away, and Brazilian director David Schurmann’s film is a delightful addition to the genre.”
- SING SING—This inspiring film is based on a true story of prisoners producing an annual theatrical production at Sing Sing prison..
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