There are some truly excellent films about monks, with deep insights into the love of God and the nature of sacrifice. But why aren’t there more?

Despite the headlines of worker deaths, FIFA corruption and L.G.B.T. human rights violations (and yes, banned beer), billions around the world welcome the World Cup with relief.

Every movie is like a pilgrimage. It invites us into a journey with the promise of some holy destination, and a good one calls us to an appreciation of community.

With age comes wisdom, and that is certainly true for Taylor, whose latest album, “Midnights,” is almost entirely introspective, even a little retrospective.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the publication of “The Waste Land.” The 433-line poem is important, but it’s not very user-friendly.

The absolute refusal to accept handed-down truths—whether in politics, science, religion or art—was a constant in Kurt Vonnegut’s life and work.