6. All Aboard The ARC? Why conservatives want to save Christendom
Apr 15, 2025
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Miriam Cates, a former Conservative MP and GB News presenter, shares her journey of intertwining faith and politics. She dialogues about the need for genuine belief to address modern societal challenges. Spoken word artist Joshua Luke Smith closes with his inspiring poem 'Sunflowers in Babylon', emphasizing hope and renewal. The discussion highlights the ARC movement's influence and the surprising alliances forming between secular and religious thinkers in today's cultural landscape.
The ARC conference brought together diverse voices to explore the intersection of faith and politics in restoring Western civilization.
Bishop Robert Barron and other speakers emphasized the importance of sacrifice and prayer for societal transformation rooted in Christian values.
A cultural shift is evident as former atheists reconsider the value of Christianity, highlighting a search for community and meaning.
Deep dives
Western Civilization in Crisis
Western civilization faces a significant crisis as the narratives that define its identity and future have become damaging. The loss of touch with the original inspirations that shaped this civilization leaves society with three choices: to renew the original inspiration, replace it with something equally virtuous, or decline. Historian and spiritual leaders stress that this is the first generation conducting a massive experiment in pursuing Western ideals severed from their spiritual roots. Therefore, there is an urgent call to restore the nation-states that uphold security based on a moral compass grounded in Christian values.
The ARC Conference and its Significance
A conference called the Alliance of Responsible Citizenship (ARC) held in February 2025 brought together over 4,000 attendees, mostly from a Christian background, to discuss the restoration of Western civilization. Interestingly, it was not explicitly framed as a religious event, indicating a growing recognition of the importance of Judeo-Christian values among diverse groups. The presence of speakers ranged from politicians to theological thinkers, highlighting a collaborative effort toward a common goal, which is to navigate current societal challenges with a renewed vision. ARC seeks to address collective concerns about modernity while fostering unity among different ideological perspectives.
Cultural and Political Reflections
The conference served as a platform for both cultural reflection and political discourse, with notable conservative politicians voicing their perspectives on the current political climate. Discussions emerged surrounding the need for conservative values in governance and a return to traditional moral frameworks, reflecting a pushback against progressive ideologies. The event unearthed a blend of optimism and caution regarding the resurgence of Christian values in politics, emphasizing the importance of not conflating secular leadership with the kingdom of God. While there were discussions of accountability within political movements, the underlying sentiment appreciated the role that faith plays in shaping a flourishing society.
Renewal Through Prayer and Sacrifice
Central themes at the conference included the necessity of sacrifice and prayer as fundamental components for personal and societal transformation. Workshops highlighted how voluntary self-sacrifice, rooted in Christian teachings, can serve as a foundation for rebuilding society. The discussions emphasized the integral relationship between spiritual practices and cultivating community well-being, reminding attendees of historical periods where faith-driven actions lead to societal growth. Participants like psychologists and clergy shared personal testimonies of spiritual journeys, reinforcing the idea that prayer and sacrifice are crucial in fostering genuine renewal.
Diverse Voices and Opinions
The diversity of voices presented at the ARC conference sparked stimulating conversations regarding the intersection of culture, faith, and politics. Christian influencers and secular thinkers engaged in meaningful dialogue, addressing concerns around the potential co-opting of Christianity for political agendas. These discussions highlighted the unique tensions arising from various backgrounds and beliefs, underlining the importance of preserving genuine faith while engaging in political and cultural dialogues. The presence of thinkers from different faith backgrounds sought to establish a platform for common ground, emphasizing respect and understanding despite ideological differences.
A Growing Interest in Christianity
The conference underscored a noticeable shift among attendees, as many formerly skeptical voices began exploring Christian teachings and values. This shift reflects a broader cultural trend where individuals previously immersed in atheism are now reconsidering the benefits of faith, even if they stop short of outright belief. Personal anecdotes shared from attendees highlighted how engagement with Judeo-Christian ideologies can foster a renewed sense of community and meaning in life. As conversations unfolded, it became clear that these individuals are seeking genuine connections, embodying a gradual yet evolving relationship with spirituality and religious traditions.
Justin Brierley reports from the ARC conference in London where over 4,000 secular and religious attendees met to hear about the renewal of civilisation from speakers such as Jordan Peterson, Douglas Murray, Jonathan Pageau and Ayaan Hirsi Ali.
But in the era of Trump 2.0, is the Alliance for Responsible Citizenship co-opting Christianity for conservative political purposes?
Justin interviews Christian speakers Bishop Robert Barron, Miriam Cates and Johannes Hartl on what ARC is. He also hears from influencers Ruslan KD, Whaddo You Meme and Biased Skeptic, plus delegates Peter Lynas, Jeff Fountain and Mikhael Laursen on the overlap of politics and faith. He also finds out why New York Times columnist David Brooks created such a stir.
Justin also dialogues with secular meaning seekers and influencers, including Andrew Gold, James Lindsay and Carl Benjamin, who have abandoned New Atheism and discovered a new appreciation for the value of Christianity.
