268. Live Not By Lies | Rod Dreher

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Jul 7, 2022

Rod Dreher, Senior editor at The American Conservative and acclaimed author, delves into the themes of his latest work, 'Live Not By Lies.' He discusses the insidious re-emergence of Communism in the West and how ideology is replacing faith in contemporary society. Dreher emphasizes the need for courage in confronting modern totalitarianism and explores the moral implications of privilege and societal pressures. He draws parallels between historical struggles and current cultural conflicts, inspiring listeners to seek authentic faith and personal responsibility in a rapidly changing world.

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ANECDOTE

Czech Mother's Warning

Rod Dreher recounts a physician's story about his elderly Czech mother.
She compared current American trends to communist Czechoslovakia, citing ideological control and suppression.

INSIGHT

Soft Totalitarianism

Modern totalitarianism is subtler, built on comfort and status, unlike the overt terror of Stalinism.
Émigrés from communist states serve as canaries in the coal mine, recognizing early warning signs.

INSIGHT

Communism's Appeal

Czesław Miłosz highlighted the human desire for harmony, explaining communism's appeal.
People submit to lies for a sense of wholeness and a normal life, as per Anne Applebaum.

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The Gulag Archipelago

An Experiment in Literary Investigation

Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn

The Gulag Archipelago is a three-volume series written by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, exploring the Soviet labour camp system through a mix of historical narrative, personal accounts, and literary investigation. The book traces the history of the Gulag from Vladimir Lenin's decrees to the era of Nikita Khrushchev, detailing the arrest, conviction, transport, and imprisonment of prisoners. It includes Solzhenitsyn's own experiences as a Gulag prisoner and accounts from other inmates, highlighting the brutal conditions, forced labor, and the psychological and physical suffering of the prisoners. The work is a testament to the human spirit's struggle against evil and serves as a comprehensive critique of the Soviet regime's use of terror against its population[2][5][3].

The Benedict Option

Rod Dreher

1984

None

George Orwell

Published in 1949, '1984' is a cautionary tale by George Orwell that explores the dangers of totalitarianism. The novel is set in a dystopian future where the world is divided into three super-states, with the protagonist Winston Smith living in Oceania, ruled by the mysterious and omnipotent leader Big Brother. Winston works at the Ministry of Truth, where he rewrites historical records to conform to the Party's ever-changing narrative. He begins an illicit love affair with Julia and starts to rebel against the Party, but they are eventually caught and subjected to brutal torture and indoctrination. The novel highlights themes of government surveillance, manipulation of language and history, and the suppression of individual freedom and independent thought.

Brave New World

Aldous Huxley

Written in 1931 and published in 1932, 'Brave New World' is a dystopian novel set in a futuristic World State where humans are bred in vitro and predestined into a rigid social hierarchy. The novel explores themes of technological advancement, social conditioning, and the loss of individuality and freedom. The story revolves around characters such as Bernard Marx, an Alpha who questions the society, Mustapha Mond, the World Controller, and John, a 'Savage' from a reservation who introduces elements of emotion and individuality into the highly controlled World State. The novel critiques the optimism of technological progress and its potential to create a society that values stability and happiness over humanity and freedom[2][4][5].

The captive mind

Czesław Miłosz

Written after his defection from Stalinist Poland in 1951, 'The Captive Mind' is a philosophical and political essay that explores the allure of Stalinism to intellectuals and the mechanisms of totalitarian control. Miłosz uses metaphorical portraits of four Polish writers (Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Delta) to illustrate the universal human phenomena and attitudes towards totalitarianism. The book critiques the philosophical systems of Marxism and Hegelian historical determinism, highlighting the internal longing for harmony and happiness that can lead individuals to submit to such regimes. It also discusses the personal and psychological costs of living under totalitarian rule, including the transformation of 'free minds' into instruments of the state[1][2][4].

How Dante Can Save Your Life

Rod Dreher

In "How Dante Can Save Your Life," Rod Dreher uses Dante Alighieri's "Divine Comedy" as a framework for exploring spiritual and personal growth. Dreher recounts his own journey of healing and faith, drawing parallels between Dante's pilgrimage and his own experiences of illness and despair. He demonstrates how Dante's work offers profound insights into the human condition, providing guidance for navigating life's challenges. The book blends personal narrative with literary analysis, offering a unique perspective on faith, healing, and the power of storytelling. It's a testament to the enduring relevance of Dante's masterpiece and its capacity to inspire spiritual transformation.

Crunchy Cons

Rod Dreher

Live Not By Lies

Rod Dreher

In 'Live Not By Lies', Rod Dreher warns American Christians about the dangers of what he terms 'soft totalitarianism', a form of totalitarianism that relies more on psychological manipulation than overt violence. Drawing on the experiences of Christians who lived under Soviet rule, Dreher provides practical advice on how to identify and resist this form of totalitarianism. The book outlines a method for resistance: SEE (acknowledge the reality), JUDGE (assess reality in light of Christian truth), and ACT (take action to protect truth). Dreher emphasizes the importance of spiritual preparation, family, church fellowship, and a willingness to suffer in order to resist the encroaching ideology[4][5][6].

The Myth of the Green Grocer

Václav Havel

The Little Way of Ruthie Leming

A Southern Girl, a Small Town, and the Secret of a Good Life

Rod Dreher

The Little Way of Ruthie Leming is a memoir that follows Rod Dreher's journey back to his hometown of St. Francisville, Louisiana, after his sister Ruthie's untimely death from cancer. The book reflects on Ruthie's life and the community's response to her illness, highlighting the value of rootedness and community in achieving a fulfilling life. Dreher contrasts his own cosmopolitan ambitions with Ruthie's commitment to their hometown, exploring what it means to live a meaningful life.