

#1381
Mentioned in 17 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 17 episodes
Mentioned by 

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


Rod Dreher

54 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 ![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 ![undefined]()

while discussing books in her book club.

Keri Smith

23 snips
s07e71 | Woke Right: Real or Fake? with Keri Smith
Mentioned by 

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


Winston Marshall

22 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]()

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

Michael Millerman

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

, 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
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as a book by R.R. Reno that got sent out into the substack world by N.S. Lyon.

Paul Vanderklay

11 snips
Post-War-Consensus-Quasi-Religion Penetrates Unseen to Shape Beneath and Betweenodies
Recommended by 

as a prophetic and insightful book.


Andrew Klavan

Trump's Nationalism Signals a Return to Strength | R.R. Reno
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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
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as a book discussing ideologies arising from World War II.

Joseph Spurgeon

Joseph Spurgeon on the Temptation of Ideology
Mentioned by Lindsay Ellis as the best explanation of the show, in her video.

The Crisis of Liberal Story Telling is a Religious Crisis
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as a book that connected ancient mythologies to modern issues.

Eric Luppold

Are Ancient Gods Returning?
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

, making the point that there was a lot more nuance understanding.

Paul Vanderklay

Please Commodify Me... Frictionlessly!
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

as a book discussing the return to traditional values and virtues.

Joel Webbon

The J. Burden Show Ep. 302: Joel Webbon
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

, stating the book helps frame the post-war consensus.

Paul Vanderklay

Join an Army of Sensemaking Randos to Resist the AI Mad-Cow Apocalypse
Recommended by ![undefined]()

as a must-read book.

Pastor Joel

THE LIVESTREAM - Ask Us Anything: Wrapping Up 2024 & Big Announcements For 2025!
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

when discussing patterns and intersections across topics in relation to spiritual warfare.

Tony Merkel

774: A Deal in the Second Heaven
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

as a book that was frequently discussed in the previous year.

Wesley Todd

THE LIVESTREAM - We Are NOT Conservatives