Agitation Propaganda: Projection and Subversion

October 26th, 2020 |

In my writing, I aim for civil, principled conversation across ideological, political, and religious boundaries, respecting differences and aiming for consensus where possible. I am grateful for the many who join me (often with far greater eloquence and influence) in such peacemaking. But I would be remiss not to expose two tactics of the enemies of freedom: projection and subversion. These are the twin towers of agitation propaganda (known as “agitprop”) and have flourished for a century in communist and fascist societies. (One note here: the extreme Left (communist) and extreme Right (fascist) differ in some particulars but share similar roots of totalitarian control over people and societies, along with philosophies favoring particular groups [Party members or a particular race] over others.)

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All Justice is Social: Toward Access, Equity, and Opportunity for All

October 19th, 2020 |

All justice is social. In our world of political correctness and virtue-signaling, of political checklists and polarized opinions, “social justice” is a phrase that has been highjacked by political extremists. On the Left, it becomes a catch-all for particular economic, moral, and social policies that opponents find subversive of American ideals. On the Right, the phrase is a signal that one can ignore what is about to be said! We need a new understanding of justice.

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Two Prayers for America

October 13th, 2020 |

America is not a chosen nation, but she has many chosen people praying and living with integrity that have helped her be a blessing to the world. Our story also includes horrific compromise of our highest ideals, especially our treatment of the indigenous peoples and African Americans. We can love our land and lament our sins. We can improve our nation without destroying her ideals. And prayer must be underneath the laments and longings for justice.

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What Does “There” Look Like? 2020 Election Edition

October 8th, 2020 |

For years I have been challenging myself, other leaders, and elected officials to offer compelling visions of the future that are inclusive, just, and propel all people and communities toward flourishing. Without hope (tempered by realism), we are left with either anarchy leading to new forms of totalitarianism, or timeworn experiments that have proven fruitless.

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Becoming Thoughtful in a World of Emotionalism

September 29th, 2020 |

We need a rediscovery of thoughtfulness in a world afflicted by a “dearth of depth and surfeit of superficiality.” (John Blanchard). The immediacy of experiences and information inflate human arrogance and make everyone a pseudo-expert. We have three tyrannies working: 1) experts competing for power; 2) the ubiquity of information that people confuse with true wisdom; and 3) a public square paralyzed by polarization that devolves into personal alienation instead of civil debate and learning.

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