I’m re-reading my 2021 contribution to “Reclaiming the Piazza III: Communicating Catholic Culture” (edited by Ronnie Convery, Leonardo Franchi, and Jack Valero) from a new vantage point, anticipating my Synod consultor appointment. I’ve observed with intrigue, gratitude, curiosity, and occasional surprise the ways that social science (and I) appear in public conversations about the Church. This piece differs in content and style from most of my writing and research, but feels relevant to the moment to share. Purchase the full book here.