

#1600
Mentioned in 23 episodes
Return of the Strong Gods
Nationalism, Populism, and the Future of the West
Book • 2021
In 'Return of the Strong Gods,' R.R.
Reno argues that the post-war consensus, which aimed to create an 'open society' free from the dogmas that led to World War II, is breaking down.
He contends that the strong gods—powerful loyalties to nation, clan, and religion—are returning as people seek meaning and community.
Reno traces the historical roots of this shift, critiquing the relativism and multiculturalism that have eroded traditional values.
He advocates for a return to classic human values such as patriotism, family, and historic Christianity, warning that the absence of these strong gods could invite darker alternatives.
Reno argues that the post-war consensus, which aimed to create an 'open society' free from the dogmas that led to World War II, is breaking down.
He contends that the strong gods—powerful loyalties to nation, clan, and religion—are returning as people seek meaning and community.
Reno traces the historical roots of this shift, critiquing the relativism and multiculturalism that have eroded traditional values.
He advocates for a return to classic human values such as patriotism, family, and historic Christianity, warning that the absence of these strong gods could invite darker alternatives.
Mentioned by

























Mentioned in 23 episodes
Mentioned by 

when discussing the reaction against weak belief and the desire for strong nations and faith.


David Brooks

245 snips
What’s Actually Breaking America — with David Brooks
Mentioned by 

as a book exploring the concept of a return to strong gods.


Rod Dreher

64 snips
Tyranny and the Post-Christian West (Rod Dreher) | Ep. 532
Mentioned by 

when discussing the post-war liberal consensus.


Auron Macintyre

37 snips
Responding to the 'Triggernometry' Bros | 12/2/24
Mentioned by 

in the context of the return of theology and mysticism in the post-liberal era.


Michael Millerman

26 snips
On the Margin: Are You Ready For The 1st Turning? | Michael Millerman
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

, who was impressed by the bishop's review of Francis's pontificate.

Jim Rutt

25 snips
EP 303 Mark Stahlman on Pope Leo XIV and the Catholic Church’s Missionary Turn
Mentioned by 

as the author of the book exploring the end of the World War II consensus.


Winston Marshall

25 snips
Jonathan Pageau - “World War II is the founding myth of the modern world” The End Of The World War Two Consensus
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

while discussing books in her book club.

Keri Smith

23 snips
s07e71 | Woke Right: Real or Fake? with Keri Smith
Mentioned by Bishop Barron during a discussion on societal values.

22 snips
WOF 502: The Meaning and Purpose of Beauty (Part 1)
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

as his introduction to the post-war consensus.

Joel Webbon

19 snips
THE SPECIAL - The Inner Workings of "World Jewry" (w/Nick Fuentes)
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to understand the concept discussed in the podcast.

J.D. Hall

18 snips
The Post War Consensus, Evangelical Longhouse, SBC Subversion, & Antioch Declaration with J.D. Hall
Mentioned by 

when discussing the stripping of nationalism, patriotism, and religion after World War II.


Auron Macintyre

15 snips
When the Bread and Circuses Turn Gay | 1/12/26
Recommended by ![undefined]()

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, focusing on institutional rot and the return of strong gods.

Mollie Hemingway

David Harsanyi

14 snips
'You're Wrong' With Mollie Hemingway And David Harsanyi, Ep. 146: Church And State
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

when discussing the post-war consensus and the banishment of strong societal values.

James Lindsay

14 snips
Twenty-First Century Woke—Left and Right | James Lindsay
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

in relation to Karl Popper's ideas and the stripping of elements that make a civilization virile.

Auron MacIntyre

Inside the Soros Network | Guest: Matt Palumbo | 10/22/25
Recommended by 

as a prophetic and insightful book.


Andrew Klavan

Trump's Nationalism Signals a Return to Strength | R.R. Reno
Mentioned by 

when quoting Jonathan Cahn on America's rebellion against God.


Jay Abramson

Major Messages from the Minor Prophets, Ep 1 - ”Faithfully Loving the Unfaithful”
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

when discussing books he recommends to his donors.

Russ Vought

Tucker Carlson and Russ Vought Break Down DOGE and All of Trump’s Cabinet Picks So Far
Mentioned by James Lindsay when saying that Reno's book has a right-wing dialectic borrowed from critical theorists.

The Book of Woke: The Basis of Critical Constructivism
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

as a book discussing ideologies arising from World War II.

Joseph Spurgeon

Joseph Spurgeon on the Temptation of Ideology
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

as a book that connected ancient mythologies to modern issues.

Eric Luppold

Are Ancient Gods Returning?



