Last week, after over 50 years of this experience, I was finally given a word that captures what I feel when I see any of the many Laughing Jesus paintings: Cringe.

The author of “The Moviegoer” and other distinguished novels was also an occasional book reviewer and commentator for America, and his prose in our pages shone as well.

I wonder at the rage we seem to have at the ready when it comes to our favorite pieces of pop culture.

Patrick Collins gives a close read of Thomas Merton’s correspondence in “A Focus on Truth: Thomas Merton's Uncensored Mind.”

Currently in production on its third season, “Evil” is Paramount+’s hidden gem and the next Catholic horror hit fans of “Midnight Mass” have been waiting for.

In “The Deep Places,” Ross Douthat relates how an experience of illness and suffering can lead to a search for answers to more transcendent questions, including the meaning of suffering and the gift of perseverance.