Last temptation of conservatism

Communist rhetoric refers to foes as “reactionaries.” Since the ideology often insinuates itself into societies through semi-legitimate means, finally provoking a response when it reaches critical strength, the term may be an apt one.

We’re well down that road, with several alien worldviews nearing the end of their “long marches” through our institutions—schools, churches, political parties, etc. There’s no denying the transformation of our society in the past half century: loss of the traditional nuclear family, the fiscal irresponsibility drummed into our citizens, the acceptance of governmental activism in every area of life, the throwing open of our borders with no serious expectation of assimilation.

As inevitable results become apparent, more Americans are waking to the realization we’re horribly off course. They’re ready to react. But the motives of their reactions, and how they define the problems, will be just as important as the fact they are now finally paying attention.

In both Europe and America, defenders of tradition and heritage are often tarred as racists. There are regrettable openings for this gambit to shut down discussion; conservativism on both sides of the Atlantic has past race-related skeletons in the closet. That doesn't mean all of today’s traditionalists are bigots. It does mean they must resist the temptation to make common cause with those who are.

Just like skin tone, today’s many problems are only superficially racial—except to the extent race is a rallying cry for demagogues of EVERY demographic. Far more important is the role of culture: our failure to defend our own, and our willingness to allow multiple competing ones to establish enclaves in a rapidly balkanizing country.

Yes, the culture that spawned the success of America was clearly WASP: white, Anglo-Saxon and Protestant. It does NOT follow, though, that only WASPs can successfully participate in such a society. Rather than become racially arrogant about their past, western Europeans and their American descendants should humbly praise God for their achievements, and seek to advance the blessings of His wisdom. This DOES mean drawing lines and maintaining borders, but not on the basis of melanin count. Just as a church is expected to accept a brother or sister in Christ to the extent they keep faith with the Body, so Western Civilization should seek non-European ‘converts’ who accept the responsibilities of our society (including coming here only in accordance with our laws). In both cases, radical change is required of the applicant. In both cases today, we fail to expect or promote such change and growth. So now we have megachurches of nominal, weak Christians, and a growing U.S. population of immigrants who are nominal, weak Americans. This is not a failure of genetics. It’s a failure of will to enforce standards. It’s a failure of covenant.

I have no use for racial identity politics—by my own group or any others’. In Christ, I am for liberty and responsibility. I welcome all who claim the same, regardless the color of the wrapper.