Nonfiction

… justice independent of, and superior to, the god who addresses him. Abraham is, on this … claims it makes. It is “We hold.” That’s the saving grace. The opening sentence turns out … of the Creed not with “There is one God” but with “I believe,” which in just the …

In his biography of W. H. Auden, Peter Ackroyd tracks the constant tension between public and private life that the poet navigated.

Chris Jennings's book about violent Christian separatists traces the fracturing of American society. But was America ever whole before, and can it ever be now?

In Ian Buruma’s telling, Berlin during World War II was a time of contradictions: hedonism, escapism, heroism, and compromise.

The editors on climate-change politics, disability access in religious communities, and the history of money.

Kevin Lewis O'Neill's 'Unforgiveable' raises important questions about clerical sexual abuse, but doesn't always grapple with them.

Even if religious institutions are vulnerable to becoming “obsolete,” can faith still transform itself to stay relevant?

The editors read about conversion, women-led regenerative agriculture, and Gaza.

Robin Wall Kimmerer’s 'The Serviceberry' approaches the natural world through reciprocity and cooperation, rather than competition and exploitation.

The editors are reading about racial and environmental justice, from meatpacking to adaptation, plus visions of a successful green transition.

Maria Laurino's "The Price of Children" documents "an adoption racket" by the Catholic Church in Italy affecting thousands of children and mothers.

What we're reading: how to think of AI, a biography of Ralph Waldo Emerson, and an explanation of what went wrong with the trend of microfinance.

The editors read nonfiction about the work ethic, a memoir about the body, and a novel from a poet.

The editors read nonfiction about poverty and politics, art and education.

A Commonweal Christmas tradition: Editors and friends of the magazine offer book recommendations that may just be the perfect gift for someone on your list.

This month, the editors are reading nonfiction about interreligious dialogue in politics and democracy and trust, and a novel by Susie Boyt.

This month, the editors are reading film history, journalism about surveillance, and novels.