Political theorist Larry Siedentop is both critical of and sympathetic to Benedict XVI’s critique of contemporary Europe, he explained at a Theos think tank gathering in Westminster last week, held to discuss his most recent work, Inventing the Individual: the origins of Western liberalism. Although he argues that Christianity brought us individualism, equality and charity, he thinks Benedict XVI goes too far in urging faiths to unite against secularism. Siedentop recalled a surprise invitation to talk at the Vatican during Benedict’s pontificate. Officials asked for a copy of his talk prior to his giving it. The day arrived, he began his talk with some praise of Benedict and then came to the part where he was set to chide the Pope. At that point the lights went out, stopping