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New York Times
6 days ago
- Politics
- New York Times
Why Did God Favor France?
Scott Alexander, the noted rationalist blogger, has a feature where guest writers pen book reviews and essays for his site, and this week an anonymous writer reviewed the historical literature on Joan of Arc. The results resemble past encounters between skeptical authors (Mark Twain is a notable example) and the historical record around the Maid of Orleans: Her story is one of the most extensively documented cases of a miraculous-seeming intervention into secular history, calculated to baffle, fascinate and even charm like almost nothing else in Western history. Everything in the story sounds like a pious legend confabulated centuries after the fact. A peasant girl with zero political or military experience shows up at a royal court, announces a divine mission and makes a series of prophecies about what God wants for France that she consistently fulfills — a fulfillment that requires not merely some fortunate happenstance, but her taking command of a medieval army and winning an immediate series of victories over an intimidating adversary with Alexandrine or Napoleonic skill. Then after the mission is accomplished (with some miracles thrown in), some of the prophetic and military capacity seems to be withdrawn and she is captured and dies a martyr's death — but not before undergoing a religious trial with a bravura performance that likewise looks like the invention of a theologically trained novelist. And through it all she appears to be extraordinarily lovable, displaying piety and kindliness without any of the fanaticism or delusions of personal grandeur that normally shadow people who think they're supposed to take up arms on God's behalf. The review essay considers some of the more persuasive non-supernatural explanations for all these strange events. But the reviewer's strongest reaction is an understandable one, I think, for any reader who approaches the evidence with an open mind: I talk about 'God stretching down His hand to alter history,' and I'm really not sure I believe it happened, but Joan feels like a giant middle finger to all the people who talk about history being deterministic. Sometimes you get a Great Woman and then history does something really weird. I also kind of feel called out by God. 'So, you say you're a rationalist? You're dismissing all the historical evidence for miracles as insufficient? You won't consider the evidence for Jesus Christ persuasive due to a mere two eyewitness and five contemporary reports? You won't believe in anything without evidence more than sufficient to convince a court? Okay, have 115 witnesses to miracles that nobody could avoid recording because they altered the course of European history. Now, what were you saying about how you're not a Christian because you're a rationalist?' But if Joan challenges skeptics to explain how a career like hers could be possible without supernatural aid, she also challenges Christians and her other religiously inclined fans to explain why, exactly, God sent her to save France. Indeed, the best skeptic's argument probably rests there: not in trying to deny the miraculous-seeming record, but in challenging the believer to explain why God wanted or needed these specific events to happen. Assume, for the sake of argument, that some version of the Catholic theory of miracles is correct. In that case history seems to yield three broad categories of supernatural happenings. First, the 'big miracles' of the Old and New Testaments, associated with major events in the history of God's plan for humanity, from the crossing of the Red Sea to the Resurrection. Second, the signs and wonders associated with the special holiness of specific saints — healings, visions, stigmata, the remarkably well-documented Reformation-era levitations discussed in Carlos Eire's recent book, 'They Flew: A History of the Impossible.' Finally, the miracles and signs and supernatural encounters that happen on a personal level, to ordinary people, as answers to their prayers rather than as manifestations of their sanctity. The story of Joan of Arc doesn't fit neatly into any of these categories. The strange events of her life are clearly more than just a personal sign of God's presence, since all of France is implicated in the drama. They're also clearly more than just a manifestation of her holiness, since the effect isn't just to convert people in her orbit to a deeper Christian faith; it's also to change the outcome of a major war. But was that military outcome, then, somehow a major event in God's unfolding plan? One analogue to Joan's career might be the stories in the Old Testament where God takes an active part in Israel's military conflicts; another might be Constantine's vision at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge that supposedly inspired his conversion to Christianity. But in those cases the alleged divine help was being supplied for an obvious spiritual purpose — the survival of God's chosen people, the conversion of the Roman Empire to Christianity. Whereas in Joan's case, the divine help turned the tide in a war where both sides were Christian and Roman Catholic, and where the resolution had no major religious consequences. It was a dynastic triumph for the French kings and a national triumph for their people, but it's not obvious how it was a spiritual one. So why did God raise up a saint to save the French from defeat? No theory seems all that satisfying, but let's consider a few candidates. Because God showed mercy on the French people. A hundred years of war is a lot of war. Undoubtedly a lot of people were praying for relief, and maybe Joan was just the divinely anointed answer to their prayer. Why didn't God send a similar figure to expedite the Thirty Years' War or World War I or any other mass-casualty disaster in human history? Well, maybe he did send saints in some of those cases and people didn't listen to them. (Joan's miraculous career did require a lot of political cooperation.) Or maybe it's just the usual divine inscrutability: Just as most sick people who pray for help don't receive miraculous healing but some people do, most wars don't end by divine fiat but once in a while (once in 2,000 years?) God puts an obvious finger on the scale. Because God wanted to teach Christians what a just war looks like. There is no Joan of Arc figure in Christendom's wars of conquest, no miraculous figure who made the difference in the First Crusade or the Spanish Reconquista or the conquest of the Americas. (The story of Our Lady of Guadalupe involves the divine manifesting itself to the conquered, not to the conquistadores.) Instead, a martial and miraculous saint shows up only in a situation where she's ending a foreign occupation and vindicating a beleaguered nation against an invader. So the fact that she does appear, armed and militant, suggests that maybe God was teaching a lesson in just war theory — giving the faithful a clear example of a saint-soldier to prove the pacifists wrong, while making sure that her example can be legitimately invoked only in wars waged in self-defense. Because the Reformation was coming and it was necessary that France remain Catholic. In the timeline where Joan doesn't appear and the Hundred Years' War ends with England retaining a strong hold on France, maybe the English Reformation still happens, France as well as England flips to Protestantism, and suddenly you have a Protestant Anglo-French bloc with command of the seas and soon the world. In which case you could suggest that Joan was necessary either because of specific divine protection for Catholicism or, more subtly, because it was important that neither Catholicism nor Protestantism win a final victory in the 17th century, given each side's un-Christian crimes against the other. Because modernity was coming and it was necessary that France and England exist as rivals and competing poles. This is essentially an extension of the last argument, in which an Anglo-French balance of power, a persistent dualism between London and Paris, is essential not just to balance Protestants and Catholics but also for the healthy development of the entire modern world. How? Well, maybe by preventing not just one but a whole series of undesirable outcomes: the total victory of one side in the Reformation, the total victory of just one version of the Enlightenment, the total victory of 20th century totalitarianism, even the total victory of the American empire or the total victory of the European Union — who can say? And since the French part of that story isn't finished yet, the last possibility remains open as well: Because God loves the French in a special way, and they have a cosmic destiny that still waits to be fulfilled. C'est certainement possible! Breviary Matthew Milliner on Jungians and Christians. Robert Bellafiore on capitalism and its undertakers. Nina Power on the religion of William Blake. Adam Ozimek reviews a century of American automaking. U.S.A.I.D.'s former chief economist on fixing foreign aid. Ingrid Rowland on the painter of the serene republic.
Daily Mail
22-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Enjoy a Friends-themed city break at this quirky location hailed as 'perfect' by tourists - and over 3,500 miles from New York
Oh… my…. God, could there BE a better Friends-themed city break? The French city of Rouen was previously most famous for being the site of Joan of Arc's execution - she was put on trial and burned at the stake here in 1431 - making it a tourist destination for history buffs. But now it has become an unlikely destination for Friends fans after two spots dedicated to the beloved US TV series opened in the centre of the Normandy capital - despite the fact it was set 3,557 miles across the Atlantic in New York. Thanks to rental accommodation kitted out exactly like Monica Geller's iconic Manhattan apartment and a replica of Rachel Green's workplace, Central Perk, fans of the show can have a Friends-themed hen party without travelling all the way to New York. The owners of Rouen's New York-style coffee shop Social Perk opened their business nine years ago, and tell MailOnline Travel it was '100 per cent inspired by Central Perk'. The reason for opening, they explan, is that France has a deep affection for Friends, with 1.4 million viewers tuning in weekly at its peak in 1997. While the cafe has been operating for almost a decade, in 2023 a local concierge business decided to play on the Friends theme, and decorated a cosy apartment exactly like Monica's iconic dwellings in central Rouen, close to the place du Vieux-Marché. The walls are coated in an instantly-recognisable shade of lilac, adorned with a gold-framed peephole on the front door, and a replica of her Aux Buttes Chaumont Jouets poster, a vintage French design by artist Jules Cheret in 1885. Up to four guests at a time can stay, and serve up their own version of Rachel's beef trifle or a traditional Thanksgiving feast in Monica's kitchen, underneath her vintage French posters, advertising a clairvoyant called Maina. Visitors have praised the attention to detail and 'perfect authenticity' to the series in online reviews - and some have really got into the spirit during their stays. One guest, @justinepatisserie on TikTok, remade the episode titled The One With Phoebe's Cookies by baking Lisa Kudrow's character's grandmother's 'secret' recipe for 'Nestle Toulouse' cookies. Another pair, @carlotte_et_loulou, reassured the owners they did not pinch all the amenities provided, unlike Ross Geller (played by David Schwimmer) who convinces Chandler Bing (Matthew Perry) that they are entitled to take anything from a hotel that does not amount to stealing. 'We didn't leave with the remote control batteries, light bulbs and toilet paper,' quipped the Friends fans. Poignantly, the living room features a framed photograph of Matthew in tribute to him, after he died in October 2023 after taking ketamine in a hot tub. Meanwhile, owners have installed a TV with access to Netflix so fans can watch their favourite episodes while immersed in the iconic decor, and tell guests: 'From the colourful kitchen and cult objects to the quotes and accessories inspired by your favourite characters, you'll feel right at home. 'Could we BE any more excited to welcome you?' Nearby, on the Rue de la Tour de Beurre, Social Perk pays just as much attention to detail, with diners watching an endless stream of episodes from a comfy orange sofa The owners of Rouen's New York-style coffee shop Social Perk opened their business nine years ago, and tell MailOnline Travel it was '100 per cent inspired by Central Perk' Just a few steps away from the gothic Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen, a favourite of the artist Claude Monet, the deli serves up American-inspired food in keeping with its theme Nearby, on the Rue de la Tour de Beurre, Social Perk pays just as much attention to detail, with diners watching an endless stream of episodes from a comfy orange sofa. Just a few steps away from the gothic Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen, a favourite of the artist Claude Monet, the deli serves up American-inspired food in keeping with its theme. The menu includes £6 Texan or Yankee bagels that Joey Tribbiani (Matt Le Blanc) would refuse to share - as he stipulates in the series - and a £3 New York-style cheesecake like the one he eats straight from the floor. Owner Akila says: 'Social Perk has been around for nine years now. We decided to take it over because we liked the unique concept of this typically New York café, 100% inspired by Central Perk, and it appeals to the French a lot. 'Friends parties are often held at Social Perk, for birthdays or hen parties. 'They have a great time there. We've had people come from London! It's incredible.' It's not surprising the establishments are popular with hen parties, as there were plenty of weddings on the series - Ross alone wed three times. Though Brits may struggle to recreate Phoebe Buffay's memorable bachelorette party, as actor Danny DeVito may not be available for hire as a stripper, it may be possible to hire a Holiday Armadillo costume ahead of the city break. Group selfies captioned 'We were on a break' are, of course, obligatory. The two businesses are independent from each other, but recommend each other to the Friends fans who visit. 'We are independent, but we don't hesitate to send our clients and tourists to the Friends apartment in Rouen to spend a night and feel like they're in Monica and her friends' apartment,' continues Akila. While Rouen itself has no connection to the series, it sits just 70 miles from Paris, where Rachel was set to take up a role at Louis Vuitton's headquarters, before she famously 'didn't get on the plane' in the final series to be with boyfriend Ross. But if Brits do want to get on the plane - or train, or other mode of transport - to reach the Friends-themed city, they'll have to first get to Paris, as there are no direct flights to Rouen. From the French capital, it's easily accessible by train, taking just over two hours. The immersive Friends Apartment is available to be booked from £140-per-night via or Airbnb, and Social Perk is open all week, Mon-Fri 10:30am-7pm, 10:30am-8pm on Saturdays and 11am-7pm on Sundays.
Daily Mail
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
AMANDA PLATELL: Greta chose a shoddy PR stunt, a flimsy ship and ignored the sick truth. This gormless self-styled freedom fighter should stick to saving polar bears
Was there ever a more self-serving stunt than eco-warrior Greta Thunberg attempting to sail into Gaza aboard a yacht, carrying 'aid' for the starving children of Gaza? Although Greta and the 11 other activists on board self-importantly call their voyage the 'Freedom Flotilla', it has been rightly derided as the 'selfie yacht' by critics who cite the dozens of pictures released of Thunberg, standing on the prow with her hair blowing in the wind like some latter-day Joan of Arc.
Daily Mail
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Imogen Anthony risks a major wardrobe malfunction as she dons racy Joan of Arc costume at Australian Fashion Week
Imogen Anthony left little to the imagination as she attended Australian Fashion Week in a revealing number inspired by Joan of Arc. The model and former girlfriend of radio personality Kyle Sandilands took to Instagram on Tuesday to share an array of pictures and videos from the annual fashion event, which is being held at Sydney 's Carriageworks. Imogen, 34, showed a fair bit of skin as she posed up a storm in the risque ensemble, which was made of a chainmail material. Showing off her killer figure, ample side cleavage and trim pins, the flimsy dress scooped down her lower back and cut her upper thigh in a high slit, risking a major wardrobe malfunction. She finished off the look with a silver head piece similar to the one worn by the patron saint of France, as well as a dramatic cat eye and strappy, silver heels. 'Joan of ARQ,' she captioned the piece, adding: '(rip iykyk)' She went on: 'A big mention to @alvi_chung who created and curated @wings_independent_fashion for the independent creatives and artists who drive this industry from the underground. 'I am so honoured to witness and take part in something which seemed to create a place for people who sometimes don't know where they stand within the fashion community,' she wrote. 'Everyone should be able to experience the wonder, not just those with an attractive name within the scene… I really hope it continues and many more are inspired to create.' This isn't Imogen's first look that had heads turning at Australian Fashion Week. She stunned onlookers on Monday when she stepped out in a very racy, bejewelled top, giving the illusion of being topless in the barely-there frock. She flaunted her figure with metal nipple pasties, custom-made by designer Ana Jol, which were interconnected with strings of pearls. The stunning display came with a matching headpiece that sat against her forehead and ran down the bridge of her nose with more beautiful strings of pearls. Imogen turned the medieval-style ensemble into a modern chic look as she paired it with baggy blue jeans from the controversial Dolls Kill, which hung low on her hips. She then covered up against the cold with a grey coat from Camilla and Marc before accessorising with a pair of pointed heels by Amina Muaddi. The brunette beauty highlighted her piercing eyes with a cat-eye liner look, leaving her dark tresses hanging over her barely concealed chest. Imogen and her ex-boyfriend Kyle Sandilands were together for eight years. The media titan announced his shock split from the Big Brother VIP star on The Kyle and Jackie O Show in November 2019. She has since moved on with new partner Harley Jones, with the pair tying the knot during a Vegas wedding in 2022. Speaking to Daily Mail Australia at AFW in 2024, the social media star ruled out a 'real-life wedding' and said the couple won't be starting a family anytime soon. 'No, I'm unconventional. That's how I roll,' she said. 'I'm not in any rush for anything like that. I'm in no rush to have kids.' However, she didn't completely rule out the idea of babies in the future. 'Maybe one day. It's not out of the picture, out of the question. I'm just not, I ain't racing. I'm good,' she added. Meanwhile, Kyle has since moved on with wife Tegan Kynaston, whom he married in 2023. The couple also share a son, Otto, who they welcomed into the world in August 2022.
