Major Messages from the Minor Prophets, Ep 1 - ”Faithfully Loving the Unfaithful”

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.

In 'The Message', Ta-Nehisi Coates delves into the intersections of race, power, and identity through three intertwining essays. The book is part memoir, part travelogue, and part writing primer. Coates reflects on his visits to Dakar, Senegal, where he grapples with his Afrocentric roots; Columbia, South Carolina, where he examines the backlash against historical reckoning and book banning; and Palestine, where he critiques nationalist narratives and their impact on reality. The book emphasizes the urgent need to untangle destructive myths and embrace difficult truths to create a more just future.