I came to know Gore Vidal in the mid-1980s, when I was living in southern Italy, virtually a neighbour, and our friendship lasted until his death in 2012. Needless to say, he was a complicated and often combative man. Jay Parini 1980scombativecomplicate share on social
My own grandparents came to the United States as immigrants in 1912, and they lived for some years in Italian ghettos in New York. Most immigrant groups start in ghettos somewhere, and many of them never get out. Jay Parini ghettograndparentgroup share on social
I envy Muslims their practice of regular and genuine prayer. It's a beautiful practice that enriches their daily lives. Jay Parini beautifuldailyenrich Change image and share on social
I argue that the resurrection was not the Great Resuscitation. It was a total transformation. I just don't accept the black-and-white thinking that goes along with needing to regard the gospels are literally true. Jay Parini acceptargueblack share on social
The British, and most European countries, have struggled to accommodate Muslim immigrants, but they have nevertheless welcomed them in large numbers. Jay Parini accommodatebritishcountry Change image and share on social
What I'm trying to argue, as passionately as I can, is that the Jesus story isn't worth dying for, it's worth living for. Jesus presents a third way, a way of being in the worth that embraces the Sermon on the Mount, with its challenge to violence and greed. Jay Parini arguechallengedie share on social
It's not unusual for socio-economic, even racial or ethnic, groups to cluster. Jay Parini clustereconomicethnic Change image and share on social
I say that a myth is a story which has particular energy, mythic resonance. I always say that a myth is a tear in the fabric of reality through which all of this spiritual energy pours. Jay Parini energyfabricmyth Change image and share on social
It's time that Americans dealt seriously with guns, getting in place strong and appropriate measures - there is no excuse for anything but the strictest controls. Jay Parini americancontroldeal Change image and share on social
The whole Christmas story was probably a later addition to the gospel narratives, presented only by the authors of Matthew and Luke. Mark and John seem never to have heard of the manger in Bethlehem, the Massacre of the Innocents, the hovering star, the three wise men, and so forth. Jay Parini additionauthorbethlehem share on social
