This podcast episode explores the rise of Christian nationalism and its connections to influential individuals and organizations. It discusses the differences between leftist and rightist postmodernism, the dangers of strong leadership, and the concept of no enemies to the right. The episode also reveals the existence of a secret society within the Christian nationalist movement and analyzes the foundationalist manifesto. It explores the significance of space for human flourishing, discusses the pillars of a foundationalist government, and addresses the implications of Christian nationalism on governance and gender roles. Additionally, it explores the role of art and architecture in society and uncovers the intricate web of Christian nationalism.
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Quick takeaways
The podcast discusses the political program of Charles Haywood, called foundationalism, which aims to maximize individual and collective flourishing.
Haywood's Society for American Civic Renewal, a semi-secret society, is revealed, with lodges in various locations, symbolizing faith, stability, and a rejection of modernist philosophies.
The podcast highlights the link between Christian nationalism, Haywood's society, and the Capitol attack of January 6th, 2021, positioning the latter as a driver of the movement.
Haywood introduces the foundationalist manifesto, which lays out his political philosophy, focusing on concepts like authority, community, and transcendence for societal renewal.
Foundationalism envisions a future society that seeks to conquer space, encouraging optimism, increasing birth rates, and redirecting young talents towards productive endeavors.
Foundationalism places strong emphasis on tradition, societal unity, promoting virtue, and discouraging vice through cultural norms, legal penalties, and social approbation.
Deep dives
The Visionary Call to Action
Charles Haywood presents himself as a visionary figure, comparing himself to Yates's golden bird and promising to reveal what is past, passing, and to come. He introduces his political program, foundationalism, which supposedly reflects reality and aims to maximize individual and collective flourishing.
The Secret Society and its Symbol
Haywood's Society for American Civic Renewal, which operates as a semi-secret society, is revealed. It has lodges in Moscow, Idaho, Cordelline, Idaho, and Dallas, Texas. The society's symbol, called the mark, resembles an anchor cross and Saint Peter's cross, symbolizing faith, stability, and a rejection of modernist philosophies. Its goals are described as a civilizational renaissance and a rebuilding of society based on a strong leadership committed to family, culture, and virtue.
Christian Nationalism as a Trap
The podcast episode discusses Christian nationalism as a trap, with Andrew Seidel submitting a dossier to the House Unselect Committee on January 6th, 2021, identifying it as the cause of the Capitol attack. Seidel recommends regulating elected officials who profess Christian nationalism and investigating the movement to prevent further attacks. The link between Christian nationalism and Haywood's Society for American Civic Renewal is highlighted, positioning it as a driver of the movement.
The Foundationalist Manifesto
Haywood introduces the foundationalist manifesto, which lays out his political philosophy and movement. Foundationalism is presented as a way to recognize reality, aiming to maximize individual and collective flourishing. Haywood claims his foundationalism is a way forward, not a return to the past. He presents 12 pillars of foundationalism, highlighting concepts like authority, community, and transcendence for society's renewal.
The Vision of Foundationalism: Conquering Space and Encouraging Virtue
Foundationalism envisions a future society that seeks to conquer space, viewing it as a unifying goal that inspires human achievement and cultural cohesion. The quest for space is seen as a means to encourage optimism, increase birth rates, and redirect the talents of the young towards productive endeavors. The government under foundationalism is described as a mixed government, starting with a limited dictatorship, potentially transitioning into an aristocracy or another suitable structure. It rejects democracy as unnatural at scale and emphasizes the role of virtue in the ruling class. While bureaucracy will be limited, the government will have unlimited means to achieve its limited ends. The overarching focus on virtue and societal customs is highlighted, with social stigmas and taboos being used to encourage virtuous behavior and discourage vice. The politics of foundationalism reject enlightenment-based moral systems in favor of a teleological conception of man filtered through Christianity. The aim is to seek the good and maximize virtue in society through approbation of virtue and legal penalties for vice where appropriate.
The Role of Tradition and Unity in Foundationalism
Foundationalism places a strong emphasis on tradition and societal unity. It rejects the idea of a complete lack of societal virtue and understands that a certain amount of vice is inevitable among lower classes of society. The objective is to dampen and limit vice through social approbation of virtue and stigmatization of vice. Both cultural norms and legal penalties are intended to work together to promote virtue and discourage vice. The government under foundationalism seeks to be a protector of society's collective spiritual interests and represents the nation as it should be. While aiming for societal unity, foundationalism does not strive for perfect virtue, but rather seeks to maximize virtue and minimize vice in order to foster a flourishing society.
The Limited Franchise and Encouragement of Immigration
Foundationalism advocates for a limited franchise, where not all elements of society have a voice in decision-making. The focus is on the ruling class, who are seen as the necessary repository and driver of virtue. Social honor and rewards are bestowed upon those who exemplify virtues valued by the foundational society. The government will encourage virtue and discourage vice through the implementation of a social credit system and the use of stigmas and taboos. The impact of the central government on daily life is intended to be significantly reduced. Moreover, foundationalism encourages immigration for those who find societal norms unpleasant, creating a society that is cohesive and aligned with its values.
The Necessity of Space Exploration and the Rejection of Autonomic Liberalism
Space exploration is viewed as a critical goal in foundationalism, as it promotes unity, cultural benefits, and economic gain. The conquest of space is seen as a means to inspire the younger generation, encourage population growth, and foster a new sense of optimism. Foundationalism considers autonomic liberalism, associated with the Enlightenment, to be false and poisonous. Instead, it advocates for a mixed government with limited ends and unlimited means to achieve them. The focus is on building a virtuous society based on tradition and rejecting progressive ideologies. The government under foundationalism is envisioned as a protector of collective societal interests, as well as a facilitator of societal development and flourishing.
The Politics of Future Past: A Manifesto for Foundationalism
The manifesto outlines the ideology of foundationalism, a political movement focused on transforming society. It highlights twelve pillars that form the core of foundationalism, including sex realism, family values, subsidiarity, and techno optimism. The manifesto emphasizes the need to smash and discredit the current system and replace it with foundationalism. It discusses the importance of nationalism, high culture, and Christian religion in this vision. The manifesto also acknowledges that achieving foundationalism will involve chaos and violence, but sees it as a necessary means to an end.
The Secret Society and Influence
The manifesto suggests the existence of a secret society called the Society for American Civic Renewal, which operates with lodges led by influential Christian nationalist figures. The lodges share information and strategies to implement foundationalism. The manifesto aligns with the society's principles and is likely financially supported by Charles Haywood, the author of the manifesto. This raises concerns about the coordinated efforts of the Christian nationalist movement and their potential influence in media platforms like The Blaze.
Disturbing Implications and Questions
The manifesto and the involvement of Christian nationalist figures raise disturbing questions about the true nature and intentions of the Christian nationalism movement. It highlights a cultic aspect with a secret society, a suspicious manifesto promoting a specific ideology, and coordinated activities that could undermine independent Christianity. It is essential to question the motivations, beliefs, and potential harm of such movements. Christians considering involvement in Christian nationalism should critically assess its implications and objectives.
Need for Caution and Vigilance
The revelations about Christian nationalism's ties to a secret society and a manifesto raise red flags and call for caution. It is crucial to distinguish between genuine religious values and potentially manipulative or harmful movements. Christians should prioritize discernment, careful evaluation, and a commitment to the core teachings of Christianity. Community building, personal responsibility, and engagement in democratic processes should be mindful and guided by a discerning spirit.
