Six Cautions for the New Christian Right

As far as I can tell, the New Christian Right (NCR) is primarily composed of younger American Protestants interested in overcoming liberal ideology by restoring Christian order to their lives, churches, and society. The movement is broad in that it encompasses different flavors and visions for how life ought to be arranged. It includes “general-equity” theonomists, paleoconservatives, self-described Christian nationalists, traditional Baptists, and others. Some critics argue that this movement, along with the broader post-liberal ethos it embodies, is essentially a revived form of fascism, pointing to its rejection of social pluralism, its focus on group identities, and its aim to use political power to enforce Christian-based social mores. Of course, by these standards all pre-modern Christian societies would be “fascist.”

In reality, the New Christian Right is a group primarily composed of men who are deeply aware of what they call “trash world” and its potential to ruin their children’s lives. Disillusioned with the leadership of traditional legacy ministries and political approaches, they see little hope for change. As a result, they have turned to the past, seeking pre-liberal and sometimes pre-modern Christian approaches to how life and society should be organized. I consider myself to be part of this general movement insofar as I found my own political footing and spiritual grounding in the writings of saints who died years ago such as political theorists like Edmund Burke and spiritual fathers like Augustine. Once someone marinates in these older writings it is easier to see the compromised liberalism present in modern Christian literature.

It is important to express my overall positivity toward this movement before I share my concerns. Not all my concerns have materialized, and those that have emerged have done so in ways that are to be expected from any movement led by imperfect individuals. I am far from perfect, and so are my Christian brothers who are working to understand and challenge the decadence, idolatry, and perversion of “trash world.” Still, I hope and pray that we remain humble enough to self-reflect and avoid the pitfalls that can scuttle any movement. If my work on social justice in the church has taught me anything, it is that the older generations who control legacy ministries often struggle to receive input, admit mistakes, and apologize for egregious wrongs. If the leaders of the New Christian Right are to truly replace them, they must not repeat the same error. We must stand together and guard our flanks against spiritual attacks.

1. Do not repay evil for evil. (Rom. 12:17)

Figures on the New Christian Right are subject to many unfair attacks, including from people they have looked up to in legacy ministries. In response, it is easy to build resentment, lash out, and throw out the baby with the bath water. Jesus had many harsh things to say to the Pharisees, but he never sinned against them. Nor did he reinforce the Romans’ authority by manipulating situations so they would be in trouble with the authorities. His opposition was driven by a love for God and others. During his earthly ministry, He only warned people about their false teachings and exposed their hypocrisy when they tried to undermine the good He was doing. He did not trade petty personal taunts or showcase any vain sensitivity over his own reputation.

Importantly, He also distinguished between the Pharisees and the common people who followed them in ignorance. In the same way, there are many Christians with liberal viewpoints who, despite differences, still offer valuable insights on certain issues. There are times when I have even encouraged children with negligent parents to look for the positive qualities in them, rather than completely dismissing everything about them. As Christians, we are called to tear down “every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God,” (2 Cor 10:5) but we should leave judgment of the truly evil to God, trusting in His righteousness rather than seeking personal vengeance.

2. Do not center your life around NCR leaders. (1 Cor 3:5-7)

The New Christian Right is a movement in flux. Some of its more prominent leaders have shifted their views on topics such as natural law, patriarchy, and eschatology in just the past few years. Perhaps nothing has changed more rapidly than historical paradigms, including interpretations of the Founding, the War Between the States, and the World Wars. Since the NCR owes much of its existence to the failures of legacy organizations, there is a “back to the drawing board” spirit within the movement. It is invigorating to learn new things and correct past misconceptions. Everyone is, to some extent, a student in this process. However, it can be risky if the entire confidence of a movement rests solely on students.

One of the major failures of the “celebrity” preacher culture was that it placed burdens on individuals who were not equipped to bear them. While it is important to show respect where it is due, it is dangerous to outsource all of one’s thinking or rely on a single person for spiritual guidance, especially when they are relatively untested. On a personal note, I feel uncomfortable when people place me on a pedestal as if I hold the key to all knowledge and am infallible on the topics I discuss. This is not healthy. I do not possess all the answers and there is much I still need to learn. NCR leaders must be especially vigilant in pointing people to Christ and His truth, particularly in an age when people will grab anything to make their lives feel stable again.

3. Honor the grayheaded. (Lev. 19:32)

I have told friends before that I believe the NCR is doomed if older people are not part of it. Their wisdom, experience, and leadership is necessary for its maturity, stability, and success. The truth is, there are many older folks who do have answers for the problems afflicting us today. They possess common sense, a knowledge of history, minds saturated in the Scripture, and a penchant for practical application. I know this because I have met them all over the country. I try to invite them to headline events and come on my podcast. They are not always the “new shiny object” and most of them were either not interested in leading legacy institutions or were blacklisted from doing so in the past.

But, they are leaders nonetheless even in smaller capacities like pastoring small-town churches and engaging in local politics. It is good for younger NCR figures with large platforms to locate these faithful men and promote them where they can.

4. Beware of Ideology (1 Tim. 6:20)

Ideology is particularly appealing to those who feel rootless. It takes something transient or contingent, such as a pleasurable experience or an abstract ideal like equality and frames it as the key to understanding the entire universe. In doing so, it reduces the complexity of life into a rigid system that attempts to explain all human action. In Christianity and Social Justice: Religions in Conflict, I argue that social justice is inherently ideological. However, it is not the only such ideology.

When Christians discuss “cage-stage” Calvinists, they are essentially talking about an ideological impulse. For the “cage-stage” Calvinist, everything—every conversation, every issue, every scripture—somehow relates to the doctrine of predestination. It becomes the sole issue worth addressing. I have observed similar behavior, especially online, regarding topics like Jewish influence, racism, eschatological views, and feminism. These ideologies are often treated as catch-all explanations for society’s ills.

Many young people have been somewhat deracinated. Without the stability that comes from rooted faith, a stable family, a defined locality, civic rituals, and the collective memory associated with these, it is easy to fall into the trap of simplistic, one-dimensional explanations for the problems we face. While feminism, for example, certainly plays a role in the decline of traditional gender roles, it cannot fully account for issues like outsourcing or inflation, which have multiple contributing factors.

The allure of ideology also appeals to our sense of pride. People can become instant experts on complex subjects by continually blaming the same villains and promoting the same simplistic solutions. This does not mean that certain issues are without cause or consequence, but even in these cases, they do not hold the key to understanding everything.

It is crucial for leaders within the New Christian Right to set an example of humility. They should avoid quickly latching on to new theories, refrain from dismissing conventional explanations merely because they are conventional, and resist adopting beliefs simply because they challenge the liberal establishment. Many things offend the liberal establishment not because they are true, but because they are competing ideologies. The New Christian Right must focus on understanding the full range of wise principles, cultivating all the Cardinal virtues, and gathering all available information to make informed decisions.

5. Let scripture guide you. (Psalm 119:105)

There is a lot of enthusiasm for natural law within the New Christian Right, even among self-described theonomists. This provides a bridge to work with people of other faiths on important issues. Not every leader in the movement is a pastor and not every resource will have Bible verses all throughout it. But, there still should be an emphasis on scripture. One reason is that scripture is true and speaks to a broad range of topics that inform NCR thinking. I will often try to let my Christian audience know where to look in the Bible for even conclusions that are drawn from necessary and proper consequence or natural principles the Bible simply assumes and does not need to argue for. There is also a spiritual advantage to using the very words of God to communicate truth (Heb. 4:12, 2 Tim. 3:16-17).

6. Avoid ecumenism (2 Cor 6:14-17).

It is commendable that Protestant Christians are first and foremost drawing from their own rich tradition, while also learning from other sources, such as classical literature and Catholic thinkers. In political battles, it is beneficial to have as many allies as possible to combat shared threats. However, a problem arises when the impression is given that those outside orthodox teaching are spiritually sound. For example, while Mormons may oppose abortion and uphold many Christian-derived moral values, they hold to a different understanding of Jesus and the gospel, which, according to Scripture, cannot save. Some members of Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches who have important things to say about social problems also hold to understandings of justification and sanctification that is out of step with Protestant theology.

As social threats push together members of various religious groups that uphold traditional moral values, we can expect to see more mingling across denominational and religious lines. While Mormonism may not pose the same immediate threat as liberalism, it still presents challenges to Christian teaching. Addressing this issue should not be difficult, but in a liberal age where religious disagreement is often seen as impolite, even leaders of the NCR can feel the pressure. The New Christian Right can invite diverse speakers, participants, and strategists to their events and discussions, but it is crucial that they do not give the impression that agreement on one issue equates to agreement on all issues.

As wisdom dictates, there are times when it is important to clearly articulate the differences on fundamental matters, so that those with less spiritual discernment do not come away with the wrong impression or adopt dangerous ideas themselves.

Conclusion

This is not an exhaustive list of potential pitfalls, but they are the main ones I can see crippling the movement should they ever take root. Ultimately, God is in control of what happens in both America and His church. He is raising up a generation of Christian men and women to set a new direction for American Christians. Really though, it is not so much a new path but a return to the old path we left to our peril. May God continue to bless enthusiasm for His order, wisdom, and law in our daily lives and into the future.