Author: Robert Christian

Robert G. Christian III is a PhD candidate in politics at the Catholic University of America and a graduate fellow at the Institute for Policy Research & Catholic Studies. He also serves as a fellow at Democrats for Life of America. Robert received his undergraduate degree from University of the Pacific in American politics and a master’s degree in international security from University of Leicester (UK). He has taught religion, social studies, and politics courses at various Catholic schools. Robert also worked as a columnist for the former online journal Asia Chronicle. He currently coaches girls’ volleyball and basketball.

Must Pro-lifers Oppose Cruelty to Animals?

Matthew Scully has an excellent, challenging piece in National Review Online, in which he compares the anti-abortion cause to opposing cruelty toward animals (quite convincingly) and makes the case for veganism (not so much). Catholic thought is embedded throughout Scully’s essay. Scully cites Vatican statements from the last three popes that affirm humanity’s responsibility to… Read More Must Pro-lifers Oppose Cruelty to Animals?

Robert Christian

Catholic Human Rights Activist Le Quoc Quan Imprisoned in Vietnam

While Vietnam has liberalized its economy in recent decades, its political system remains brutally repressive, intent on silencing voices of dissent. Dozens of key human rights activists have faced persecution in the past year. The latest is Le Quoc Quan, “a 42-year-old lawyer, outspoken Catholic and blogger” whom the Washington Post described as “one of… Read More Catholic Human Rights Activist Le Quoc Quan Imprisoned in Vietnam

Robert Christian

The Francis Factor: A Discussion on the First Six Months of Pope Francis’ Leadership

On Tuesday night, Georgetown University hosted the first event of the new Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life. The topic was The Francis Factor, and it featured an entertaining, engaging discussion with David Brooks, Mark Shields, Kim Daniels, and Alexia Kelley. The moderator was the initiative’s director, John Carr, who spent over 20… Read More The Francis Factor: A Discussion on the First Six Months of Pope Francis’ Leadership

Robert Christian

A Preferential Option against the Poor

The Republican Party’s slide to the right reached an embarrassing point this week. On Thursday, House Republicans attacked food security by voting to pass deep cuts ($40 billion) in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).  Yesterday they voted to gut the Affordable Care Act, a policy that would leave millions without health insurance and result… Read More A Preferential Option against the Poor

Robert Christian