Defending Conservatism - James Orr | Maiden Mother Matriarch 92
Jul 3, 2024
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James Orr, Assoc. Prof. of Philosophy of Religion, discusses NatCon UK, Conservative Party struggles, 1960s impact, wokeness in Christianity, and importance of conservative global collaborations. Topics include conservative conference organization, social issues like pronatalism, free speech battles in universities, impact of cancellation scandals on academic freedom, influence of Christianity on 'wokeness', and changes in Christian moral teachings over time.
National Conservatism provides a unique platform for conservative policy discussions distinct from mainstream agendas.
Conservatism faces challenges in forming transnational alliances compared to progressive movements emphasizing national identity.
The need to protect academic freedom in universities is highlighted, emphasizing the balance between intellectual diversity and equality initiatives.
Deep dives
The Emergence and Impact of NatCon Conference in the UK
The podcast discusses the organization of the NatCon UK conference, focusing on the media response, conservative themes explored, and the diverse attendee demographics. The conference, held in early 2020, emphasized sovereignty, nationhood, and family, drawing a coalition involving conservatives, Christians, and liberal individuals concerned with progressivism's overreach. The speakers presented debates on demographics, fertility, and immigration, setting the tone for significant policy discussions in subsequent political debates.
Challenges to Conservative Identity and Need for Transnational Alliances
The episode highlights the challenges faced by conservatism in a globalist era and the importance of forming transnational alliances akin to progressive movements. It notes the tendency for the left to engage globally while conservatism traditionally focuses on national identity. The discussion explores how National Conservatism provides a platform for conservative ideas distinct from mainstream conservative party agendas, emphasizing the need for open debate and alternative viewpoints within the conservative spectrum.
Promoting Academic Freedom in Universities
The conversation delves into the erosion of academic freedom in universities due to ideological capture and the implementation of measures to protect free speech. The introduction of the Freedom of Speech Higher Education Act is discussed, emphasizing the appointment of a Director of Academic Freedom to ensure universities actively promote and defend academic freedom. The Act aims to balance the emphasis on equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) with the preservation of intellectual diversity and free expression.
Exploring the Interplay Between Wokeness and Christianity
The podcast navigates the intersection of wokeness and Christian principles, analyzing whether wokeness is influenced by Christian concepts. The conversation challenges the notion of wokeness as a direct extension of Christianity, delving into the nuanced relationship between religious influences and ideological shifts. It critiques the oversimplification of attributing wokeness solely to Christian origins, examining how moral equality and identity politics diverge from traditional Christian values.
Support and Subscription Options for Extended Content
The episode concludes by mentioning the availability of additional content behind a paywall on the host's substack platform. Listeners are encouraged to subscribe for access to bonus episodes, extended content, and community engagement opportunities to support further podcast production. Ways to support the show, such as leaving reviews, liking on platforms, and spreading the word, are highlighted as crucial for sustaining and expanding the podcast's reach and impact.
My guest today is James Orr, Associate Professor of Philosophy of Religion at the University of Cambridge and the UK Chairman of the Edmund Burke Foundation.
We spoke about James' work in organising the NatCon UK conference, why the Conservative Party is going to do so badly at the general election, and whether or not the 1960s should be understood as a …
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