Recent Articles - Illuminate

photo of raised hands praying before u.s. capitol

Will the Catholic Church Self-Destruct or Bridge the Partisan Divide?

By Thomas Reese, S.J.

American Catholics are almost evenly divided between Republicans and Democrats, which means the church can either self-destruct or bridge the partisan divide.

The Physics of Surfing

By Phil Kesten

Like so many areas of life, the art and sport of surfing takes practice–and some basic knowledge of physics doesn’t hurt, either.

Historic photo of Armenian woman kneeling in a battllefield with two daughters.

The Scars of Generational Trauma

By Jerry Burger

How long is the shadow of genocide? It’s the question Jerry Burger grapples with in his new novel, The Shadows of 1915.

California Ends Hair Discrimination

California this month became the first state in the nation to end workplace and public school dress codes and grooming policies that discriminate against anyone based on their hairstyle. The law goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2020.

Psychology Plays Key Role in Climate Change Debate

By Hersh Shefrin

As the U.S. presidential campaign season intensifies over the next 18 months, the issue of climate change will heat up. Psychology will play an important part in this debate.

Photo of Ben Franklin's face on $100 bill-3

Happiness for Sale

By David Feldman

Research shows our obsession with money may run deeper than you think.

Right To Vote Didn't Lead To Gender Equality

By Nancy Unger

As America gears up for next year's centennial anniversary of the 19th Amendment, which gave U.S. women the right to vote, we talked to SCU History Professor and Chair Nancy Unger about how the fight for gender equality has evolved in the last 100 years.