W. B. Yeats’ poem “The Second Coming” has long captivated and bewildered readers with its mystical symbolism and imagery. These metaphors and motifs have invited debates between readers since the …
Jefferson and Tocqueville on Christian Nationalism
Introduction The influence of Christianity persists in America despite a decline in the number of churchgoers and those who identify themselves as Christian.[1] Given this context, the contemporary …
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Liberating the Truth in Augustine’s Confessions and Douglass’ Narrative
Augustine of Hippo’s Confessions and Frederick Douglass’ Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass share a common theme of spiritual awakening to the truth. In these texts, both Augustine and …
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James Madison, American Liberalism, and the Problem of the “Gordian Knot”
Federal jurisdiction is virtually unlimited today and the strength and survivability of liberalism, our nation's animating political philosophy, is hotly debated. These issues are connected and James …
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Hiding Behind Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln's ascent to power was surprising, but after a deep analysis it is clear that it was not at all unique. Just like Queen Esther, Lincoln was able to overcome extreme odds through …
Compass is an online journal that provides a space for the work of talented undergraduates who have original and well-articulated insights on important ideas and issues relating to American democracy understood in the broad contexts of political philosophy, history, literature, economics, and culture.