We are pleased to present this guest editorial from U.S. Army Chaplain Don Zapsic (ret.)
The marginalization of conservatism on the public square is a stubborn reality in post-Christian America. The impact of this chilling trend upon political and religious thought often emanates from cultural institutions inspired by the radical left. Churches are no exception as evidenced by the avocation of theological liberalism ever-seeking to co-opt the sacred for the proliferation of the secular agenda. The impact of this unholy union is further facilitated by an all-too-eager mainstream media that is essentially the mouthpiece, megaphone, and PR department of all things liberal.
A poignant example of a coordinated action by multiple arms of the radical left intended to stymie conservative religious and political dissent is featured in the now infamous “Covington boys” incident. Enter in Father Edward Beck, CNN commentator on religion who had the following to say about MAGA hats in relation to Catholicism, “MAGA hats have become political code for an agenda that is often in opposition with the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church (CNN opinion piece).” Some of the political code referenced by the priest deals with 1) abortion- President Trump identifies as pro-life as does the Catholic Church 2) Immigration- opposed on the right based upon a national security and economic crisis of epic proportions 3) climate change– radical left dog whistle for an oppressive carbon tax and 4) inequitable distribution of the world’s resources … a.k.a. Marxism.
Another prominent commentator on religion by the name of Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger debunked the liberation theology that Father Beck sympathizes with, “because of Marxist principles and its association with political movements (U.S. Catholic October 2014 edition).” I favor Cardinal Ratzinger’s assessment of social justice since Marxism has a poor track record when it comes to respecting individual property rights as well as restricting freedom of religious expression. So what could the radical left have in common with a Roman Catholic priest? Both are deeply rooted and committed to liberal thought and practice regardless of whatever else they may otherwise profess allegiance to.
Lest I should fall prey to the folly of operating as some kind of unexamined political hack, my religious legitimacy for writing this article as an ordained minister extends no further than the biblical principles that I seek to promote. On the political front, I support capitalism despite its shortcomings and abuses due to its tried and proven capacity for uplifting the human condition. I also support America’s representative form of government because of the freedom and liberties it affords to those it seeks to represent. Neither the economic theory nor political philosophy just cited is above the rule of law or God’s Word. The fact that I spent five years obtaining a Master of Divinity degree; served a two-year stint in the pastorate; and twenty-four more years of military service in the Army Chaplaincy does not negate the readers responsibility to verify and validate the contents of this article. The doctrinaire liberal actively resists the notion that Scripture alone is the basis for truth in many cases elevating human reason above the authority of Scripture.
That is the reason it is named likewise. cialis wholesale online is made of Sildenafil citrate. So, depending djpaulkom.tv levitra prescription on the women Hormone Therapy has come in much form. If you have both heart disease and erectile dysfunction, talk to a trusted cialis generika 10mg doctor now. These tablets basically function upon blood circulation to the actual penis. sildenafil ukIt is fair then to assert that liberalism is a religion in, and of itself (at least in matters dealing with competing interests that seek to contradict the liberal mindset). The government according to the radical left is regarded as the Higher Power in perpetual acquisition of perpetual power. God in this political and religious realm is regarded more as a figurehead much like the queen or king of a debunked kingdom. Liberalism in its various manifestations champions change as its cornerstone doctrine. When change for the sake of change is the primary motivator, even an abject failure provides yet another opportunity for change along with further government expansion. The technical name of this manmade religion is “secular humanism” whereby man, and not God, “is the measure of all things (Protagoras of Abdera).” It should come as no shock that marginalization is a logical response to any competing interest viewed as trying to impose arbitrary truth upon such an unfettered mindset.
The characterization of conservative political and religious marginalization in the public square is more of an indictment on the right than on the radical left. To lose “One Nation under God” over many decades suggests more of a controlled retreat than an outright coup. A ‘controlled retreat’ being a military concept describing two lines of defense leapfrogging backwards as one line covers the backsides of the other line of retreat. Unlike liberals, modern day political conservatives view the Constitution as the nation’s legal gold standard and yet historically lack the stamina and force of conviction to adequately defend it. Conservative Christians on-the-hand have fared little better than their political counterparts seeing church attendance slip coupled with record-high church closures. Lest the liberals get too proud of their many disruptions, consider the following proverb, “Any donkey can kick down the barnyard door, but it takes a carpenter to build one.”
On a more contemporary note, Father Beck and I would inevitably disagree on a variety of fronts, but we are on the same page when it comes to recognizing the MAGA hat as something more than just a red, four-lettered head covering. To Beck it symbolizes much of what is currently wrong with our great country. To me, it is progressively becoming a symbol of incremental marginalization of conservative political and religious free speech on the public square. Since when is wearing a MAGA hat at a right-to-life rally justification for radical left recrimination against a group of civic-minded teenagers? You just can’t make this stuff up!
It is important to note that the retreat of conservative political and religious influence on public platforms across America is mostly self-inflicted. If this were not the case, conservatives by-and-large would be just one big unhappy family of victims utterly powerless in the face of a relentless, liberal, change machine. Principled change must begin at the margins of public discourse and not left to mainstream politicians, clergy, and media operatives to do the heavy lifting for the rest of us. Only then, will high school students be able to safely wear the hat of their choosing in our nation’s capital without fear of being berated and threatened by physically-grown people who should know better.
Illustration: Pixabay