It’s a simple question with a complicated answer.

The continent’s parlous economy and ascendant far right foretell a grim future.

His win did not upend the rules of American politics or render him immune to political misfortune.

Why religious trends in the later 2020s might be different from the trends of the 2010s.

For decades, the film industry seemed to forget how to mint new male matinee idols. Then came a much-needed windfall.

The scholar Elaine Pagels discusses her research about ancient accounts suggesting that Jesus’ father might have been a Roman.

Readers discuss a guest essay by a woman who finds things to cherish in caring for her dad.

Children deserve better than to feel left in the dark against their will.

A surprise congressional standoff remind us that big, discordant changes could be coming.

It was a cushion for workers hurt by free trade. Why did Congress let it lapse?

In search of a New World answer to Narnia and Hogwarts.

Readers discuss his role in the government shutdown negotiations. Also: Trump austerity; G.O.P.’s future; clean energy; guns and young people.

The film feels like an artifact of a more optimistic feminist moment.

The Drone Age is already upon us and the skies are going to get a lot more crowded.

Jigar Shah and Robinson Meyer discuss how the decarbonization rollout can continue during the second Trump administration.

Opinion writers discuss potential legal issues and executive power in a second Trump term.

Remote work is increasingly a privilege enjoyed by the most affluent Americans.

Catholic Charities provides help to the poor, homeless, hungry and the most vulnerable immigrants.

The word “faith” implies the possession of something, whereas I experience faith as a yearning for something beautiful that I can sense but not fully grasp.

The old movies have a great deal to say, and linguistics can explain why.

Gisèle Pelicot has opened up a conversation about sexual violence in a country where a serious reckoning was well overdue.

For the 47th president, illusion is the new accountability.

It could complicate a simple case and turn it into a political circus.

Readers discuss lawsuits against The Des Moines Register and ABC News. Also: Violence in school; a Mideast bridge; cash and the disabled; murder is wrong.

The drone panic isn’t just about drones.

Trump hasn’t been the least bit reticent about his plans to reshape Washington in his image.

Incidents like these require quick, clear communication from the government. That’s not what people are getting.

The people, places and objects that held our collective attention in this election year.

The columnist on why Trump’s biggest challenge will be weak states, not strong states.