Quest for Liberty: America in Acton's Thought [ purchase this book ]
by Stephen Tonsor

This occasional paper presents an important background of Lord Acton. It demonstrates that his English ancestry (though he was not born in England) led him to adopt an Americanized view of liberty and freedom. The paper focuses on Acton's strong commitment to liberty, and how Lord Acton believed that America was an appropriate example of a free society.

Lord Acton on Revolution [ purchase this book ]
by Russell Kirk

This writing examines Lord Acton's views on revolution. Although he did not exactly approve of revolution, he was able to tolerate it because he believed it increased freedom. This essay demonstrates that Acton's views on revolution changed over time.

Truth as the Ground of Freedom: A Theme from John Paul II [ purchase this book ]
by Avery Dulles, S. J.

This essay, divided into six topics, looks at freedom applied to all aspects of life. It begins with examining the meaning of freedom. Then the essay moves into freedom and one's ability to give to others. Next, the author discusses freedom and the moral law of God. Freedom and conscience is the next topic Dulles touches upon. After highlighting personal freedom, the author examines freedom and one's occupation. Finally, the paper ends with the discussion of freedom and its role in society.

The Sin Tax: Economic and Moral Considerations [ purchase this book ]
by Robert A. Sirico, C.S.P.

Robert A. Sirico writes about the downfalls of a "sin tax". Sirico discusses how a sin tax promotes the behavior in question and several ways a sin tax is harmful to all involved. He also contends that by allowing the government the ability to determine what acts are objectionable and taxable, citizens are putting themselves in the position to have the government involved in every area of life, including religious matters.

Has Democracy had its Day? [ purchase this book ]
by Carl F. H. Henry

This paper focuses on criticisms of democracy as a useful political system. It cites several arguments against democracy. However, Carl F. H. Henry writes in favor of democracy. He acknowledges that democracy is not perfect, but notes that it works best when people have Christian values. Henry warns that if democracy is rejected, one must be careful of what takes its place.

Lord Acton on the Historian [ purchase this book ]
by Josef L. Altholz

In this essay, Dr. Altholz describes Acton's rigorous approach to the historian's vocation, especially focusing on his view of the historical project in relation to religion and liberty. Altholz examines Lord Acton's views on truth and truthfulness, as well as Acton's differing opinions and eventual departure from his mentor, Ignaz von Dollinger.

The Moral Mandate for Freedom: Reflections on Centesimus Annus [ purchase this book ]
by Rocco Buttiglione

Buttiglione writes how the Catholic Church endorses the democratic ideas found in Centesimus Annus. He also details changes made in Centesimus Annus.

Toward a Free and Virtuous Society [ purchase this book ]
by Robert A. Sirico

A foundational description of the complimentarily of freedom and morality, that is, how liberty is a necessary precondition for virtue and how virtue is ultimately necessary for the survival of liberty.

The Legacy of an Education [ purchase this book ]
by James C. Holland

There were highly distinctive elements in the education of Lord Acton. It is Professor Holland's contention that there was a direct relationship between those elements and Acton's life work, including his championing of an educated laity, free intellectual inquiry, historical study as a conserver of truth, and the duty of the informed historian to make moral judgments in history. In his energetic and often brilliant pursuit of these causes, Lord Acton relentlessly invoked the intellectual and moral canons acquired in his youth.