Vol. 81, No. 8

Cover

The spiritual life of the American teenager

By Jessica Mesman Griffith
Young adults seek a deep and profound relationship with God. They’re practically hardwired for it.

Feature

An abundant life

by John Christman, S.S.S.
For Mexican artist Martín Ramírez, abundant life appeared in the form of the drawings that liberated him.

Interview

Complex, quirky, and profound

an interview with Elizabeth Dreyer
Medieval mystic St. Catherine of Siena has much to teach modern Catholics about what God is up to in the world.

Sounding Board

Does Pre-Cana need an overhaul?

by Annarose F. Steinke
Marriage prep programs must be revised to accommodate couples in a variety of situations.

Essay

Make a joyful noise

by Anna Keating
It’s not just church songs that are prayerful and calming. Pop music can have the same effect.

Essay

Are you there, God?

by Laura Whitaker
The era of best-selling Christian authors has passed. Is God still present in children’s literature?

Wise Guides

Both wolf and dove

by Kenneth McIntosh
God calls us to embrace our full and complex selves—even the parts we deem flawed.

Columns

The Examined Life: What’s at stake
By Father Bryan Massingale

Margin Notes: A louder voice for moral reason
By Kevin Clarke

Culture in Context: Help yourself
By Danny Duncan Collum

At Home with our Faith: Keep faith in mind
By Annemarie Scobey

Glad You Asked: Was Jesus a Catholic?
By Rhonda Miska

Testaments: The case for the pretty good Christian
By Alice Camille

Departments

Editors’ Note

You May Be Right (Letters to the Editor)

Signs of the Times (News)

Catholic Tastes (Humor)

Reviews

Eye of the Beholder (Art meditation)