The specifically Christian idea of the Virgin Birth is one of the most controversial and confusing theological concepts around, and a Yuletide blog that didn’t take on the topic wouldn’t be doing its job.

The traditional Via Meadia Yule Blog continues today, Boxing Day, with the second of the Thirteen Posts of Christmas. From Christmas through to Twelfth Night, we explore the Christmas story and the ideas behind the celebration.

How everyday violations of decency threaten a democracy.

Merry Christmas and happy holiday to all!

It’s Christmas Eve today and time for the oldest tradition at Via Meadia, going back to 2009: our annual Yule Blog when we update and present our 13 posts of Christmas running from the preparatory Advent blog on Christmas Eve through Twelfth Night. During the holiday season, we will blog on a light holiday schedule through New Year’s Day. On January 2 we will be back at full force.

The fall of the Syrian city to Assad’s forces marks a grim ending to Pax Americana in the Middle East.

As we commemorate the 25th anniversary of the fall of the Soviet Empire, we should remember President Bush 41 and his role in ensuring its peaceful demise.

The story of Hanukah—the “Sunday School” version, and what really happened.

A new show based on Tolstoy’s magnum opus is more soap opera than social commentary. More’s the pity.

Most items on notional agendas for U.S.-Russia cooperation are irrelevant or impossible to achieve, regardless of the tenor of the bilateral relationship.