Raised by Jesuits: Reason, Conscience, and Complexity in the Modern World

Imagine a parent hesitating before agreeing to an autism diagnosis for their child.   Not because they doubt the truth of it, but because they fear what being on the list might mean. Now imagine that fear becoming widespread, shifting clinical practices and reshaping statistics; not because autism is disappearing, but because honesty is becoming dangerous. This is the ethical and epistemological tangle we face if a national autism registry becomes reality. The Promise of a Registry Let’s begin in good faith. On paper, a centralized autism registry could offer immense benefits: Accurate data could support better resource allocation in schools, clinics, and workplaces. Researchers could access large-scale data sets, leading to deeper understanding and improved therapies. Policy-makers might craft smarter laws rooted in real demographic data. In short, the hope is that if we count people well, we’ll care for them better. But counting is nev...

One of my favorite teachers in high school was a wiry Scotsman named Mr. Ballantyne. He wasn’t a Jesuit, but he might as well have been. His demeanor was no-nonsense, his standards were high, and his wit as sharp as the thorns on a sprig of thistle. He taught Ethics—a required course at my Catholic high school. Mr. Ballantyne didn’t just teach Ethics as a subject; he lived it like a calling. His classroom was where we learned to think about what was right and wrong in a deeper way—not just in terms of rules or punishments, but in terms of what kind of people we were becoming. He taught us that ethics isn’t about having the right answers, it’s about asking better questions. That’s a very Jesuit idea, even if he never said cura personalis out loud. So what is ethics, really? At its core, ethics is a framework of moral principles that guide our actions and decisions. It’s how we navigate the question: What kind of life should I live, and how should I treat others along the way? I...

In another part of my life, I lead a band that plays jazz and blues. I write original songs—some of which have won awards—and perform in venues far removed from the walls of a church. Yet I grew up singing in the church choir (stereotypical, I know), and I was always acutely aware that some religious traditions treat secular music with suspicion, even outright condemnation. But that has never aligned with my lived experience. I’ve felt—viscerally—the healing power of music, both in my own life and among my audiences. I’ve watched music soften the hardened, uplift the weary, and bring strangers into communion. Something sacred happens when sound transcends speech and becomes something more than entertainment. It becomes presence. Connection. Maybe even grace. For a long time, though, I carried the tension between that sacred experience and the religious formation that seemed to draw sharp lines between what was holy and what was profane. That changed a few years ago during a convers...

Reflecting on Waiting, and the Will to Carry On Author's Note: I usually post on weekends, but this past one was so busy I didn't get a chance to do so. Since this post is partly about when everything happens, I thought it was an appropriate one to go with as it's definitely what I experienced this past weekend. - RA Paulo Coelho, one of my favorite authors, once wrote, “Life has a way of testing a person’s will – either by having nothing happen at all, or by having everything happen at once.” Like much of his writing, it’s deceptively simple. A single sentence that manages to articulate what entire seasons of life feel like. In the Jesuit tradition I was raised with, we’re taught to look for God not in the abstract, but in the concrete stuff of our lives: silence, uncertainty, disappointment, exhilaration. This quote offers a framework for naming two of life’s great spiritual tests—the barren stretches where nothing seems to move, and the overwhelming surges when ever...

Since my blog is called “Raised by Jesuits,” I’d be remiss if I didn’t get to this topic. If you've ever heard the phrase "Jesuit education" or noticed a university with “Loyola” in the name, you've brushed up against a centuries-old tradition that is much more than academic rigor or religious affiliation. Jesuit philosophy is rooted in the teachings of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the 16th-century founder of the Society of Jesus, and offers a way of thinking, being, and acting in the world that remains radically relevant today. At its core, Jesuit thought is about formation —not just information. It’s about becoming the kind of person who can navigate a complex world with clarity, compassion, and conscience. Here’s a quick primer on some of the foundational ideas that guide Jesuit institutions, thinkers, and those of us shaped by this tradition: Cura Personalis – Care for the Whole Person This isn't just a motto—it's a call to truly see people in their ful...

One of our very dear dogs passed away recently, which got me to thinking about our pets and heaven. This sweet boy never met anyone he didn't like. Dogs, cats, horses (he found our neighbor's horses fascinating), and especially people. He was a perpetually happy, calm presence and loved nothing more than getting some snuggle time with his people. He viewed everyone at the vet's office, including the other pet owners, as his friends. After each appointment, our vet would take him for a lap around the back of the office to visit everyone. It was tough to get him to leave. Over the last 18 months or so, he had suffered from arthritis, and it became increasingly painful for him to move around. We tried many different treatments and medications. By last month, he was on four different meds, and we were regularly carrying him down the stairs—though he would still climb up to my office, slowly and determinedly, just to spend time with me during the day. A few weeks ago, he t...

Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, was elected on May 8, 2025, after just four ballots over two days—a notably swift conclave by historical standards. He wasn’t on my radar at all when I wrote recently about Francis and the likely contenders to succeed him, so let’s get to know him a bit. Born in Chicago in 1955, he joined the Order of St. Augustine and later spent nearly two decades in Peru, serving as a missionary and provincial superior. That time deeply shaped his pastoral sensibility and gave him a first-hand understanding of the challenges facing the global South. Pastoral and Pragmatic Pope Leo XIV is widely viewed as a pastoral leader who continues the reformist trajectory of Pope Francis. His approach emphasizes inclusivity, dialogue, and a focus on the pastoral needs of the faithful. He has been a vocal proponent of synodality , advocating for a more inclusive and participatory Church structure. His background in canon law provides a balance betwee...