## Introduction and Disagreements within the Church - The [[Christian right | New Christian Right]] and Legacy Ministries have disagreements, and understanding these conflicts is crucial for unity within the church [(00:00:12)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euIiWvs2CgI&t=12s). - The New Christian Right tends to value tradition, whereas Legacy Ministries are more influenced by liberal ideology [(00:02:21)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euIiWvs2CgI&t=141s). - The New Christian Right is moving in a more paleo-conservative direction, seeking to reconnect with traditions and promote and protect existing ones [(00:02:36)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euIiWvs2CgI&t=156s). - In contrast, ideologues often rely on abstract principles like equality or racialism, imposing them as the key to understanding every issue [(00:03:14)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euIiWvs2CgI&t=194s). - This approach can be problematic, as it may lead to oversimplification and mistakes due to a lack of understanding of complex issues [(00:03:27)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euIiWvs2CgI&t=207s). - Legacy Ministries often view civic society through the lens of equality or freedom principles, which can shape their perspective on various issues [(00:03:45)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euIiWvs2CgI&t=225s). - The host, John Harris, aims to provide a basic framework for understanding these debates and hopes to encourage cooperation against common enemies, even if it's just co-belligerency [(00:01:04)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euIiWvs2CgI&t=64s). - Harris has written extensively on these topics in an upcoming book and will provide more in-depth analysis in the future [(00:00:50)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euIiWvs2CgI&t=50s). - He emphasizes the importance of unity within the church and encourages prayer for clarity and cooperation [(00:01:18)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euIiWvs2CgI&t=78s). ## Differing Approaches to Scripture and Tradition - The [[Christian right | New Christian Right]] does not believe in imposing its views on others, instead, it seeks to justify its plans and purposes for society through different approaches and justifications [(00:03:56)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euIiWvs2CgI&t=236s). - The starting point for many Legacy Ministries, especially those with a baptistic background, is a "blank slate biblicism" that often leads to innovative readings of scripture, even if they contradict church history and tradition [(00:04:25)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euIiWvs2CgI&t=265s). - This approach can result in a reconciliation of liberalism with the [[Bible]], as seen in some interpretations of passages like [[Epistle to the Ephesians | Ephesians]], which are used to argue against racism [(00:05:02)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euIiWvs2CgI&t=302s). - In contrast, the New Christian Right is more open to tradition, reason, and nature, believing that the Bible and nature are reconciled, and that the Bible will not contradict obvious truths about God's creation [(00:05:42)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euIiWvs2CgI&t=342s). - The New Christian Right also values the historical teachings of the church and seeks to inform its stance on issues with these perspectives [(00:06:03)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euIiWvs2CgI&t=363s). ## Potential Explanations for Disagreements - A possible explanation for the differences between Legacy Ministries and the [[Christian right | New Christian Right]] is that the former may be trying to "gatekeep" and maintain control, rather than allowing for competition and new ideas [(00:06:26)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euIiWvs2CgI&t=386s). - However, this explanation is not definitive, and the disagreement between the two groups may be due to ideological and traditional differences, which can be difficult to overcome [(00:07:05)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euIiWvs2CgI&t=425s). ## Points of Contention: Proposition Nation and Eschatology - The concept of a "proposition nation" is a point of contention, with Legacy Ministries often defining nations as collections of people with shared experiences and ancestry, while the New Christian Right may have a different understanding of this concept [(00:07:17)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euIiWvs2CgI&t=437s). - The ideology of the New Christian Right would need to be broken for there to be agreement on certain issues, but humility is necessary for discussions and progress to be made [(00:07:51)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euIiWvs2CgI&t=471s). - Eschatology is a broader social and civilizational division, with the [[Christian right | New Christian Right]] supporting the created order and being more impervious to accusations of racism and sexism [(00:08:10)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euIiWvs2CgI&t=490s). - In contrast, Legacy Ministries tend to want to be on the right side of history, often prioritizing winsomeness and influence, which can lead them to soften or firm up their stance on certain issues to gain human approval [(00:08:49)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euIiWvs2CgI&t=529s). - This approach is driven by the principle of equality, as they believe the arc of history is bending towards equality, and they want to be on the right side of this movement [(00:09:32)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euIiWvs2CgI&t=572s). - Jonathan Leman once compared this approach to having a stash of influence that can be spent at certain points, but this can make them appear odious to the world and lead to decisions being made based on what others think [(00:09:44)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euIiWvs2CgI&t=584s). - The New Christian Right, on the other hand, wants to put a stake in the ground and say they're not moving on certain issues, whereas Legacy Ministries tend to follow a more progressive and liberal view of things [(00:10:42)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euIiWvs2CgI&t=642s). ## Differing Views on the Church's Role - Legacy Ministries, especially those with a baptistic background, tend to be ecclesio-centric, seeing the church as God's mission in the world, which can lead to a de-emphasis on politics and other external issues [(00:10:50)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euIiWvs2CgI&t=650s). - This approach can result in the church making decisions on behalf of its members, with elders having significant input on personal life decisions, such as who to marry, where to work, and where to move [(00:11:12)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euIiWvs2CgI&t=672s). - The [[Christian right | New Christian Right]] has a holistic view of responsibilities and roles, seeing the church as just one aspect of public life, and places more emphasis on politics, which can lead to accusations of not believing in the power of the Gospel [(00:11:33)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euIiWvs2CgI&t=693s). - They do not believe in separating church and politics, and instead, see them as intertwined, which is different from the Legacy Ministries' view [(00:11:35)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euIiWvs2CgI&t=695s). ## Gender Roles and Complementarianism - The New Christian Right supports complementarian domestic arrangements, where husbands and wives have different roles, but this is not necessarily rooted in creation or the church [(00:12:07)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euIiWvs2CgI&t=727s). - In contrast, patriarchy is rooted in creation, and the New Christian Right is not optimistic about women in police combat, political roles, or giving political commentary [(00:12:37)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euIiWvs2CgI&t=757s). - Some members of the [[Christian right | New Christian Right]] have expressed views that are considered bigoted by Legacy Ministries, such as women not being suited for certain roles [(00:12:54)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euIiWvs2CgI&t=774s). ## Identity and the Definition of a Nation - The concept of identity is a significant issue, with the New Christian Right rejecting the idea of a "proposition nation" that values equality above all else [(00:13:10)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euIiWvs2CgI&t=790s). - Instead, they believe that a nation is defined by a shared ancestry, common experiences, and a core identity, which is rooted in biblical and classical understandings [(00:14:13)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euIiWvs2CgI&t=853s). - The Legacy Ministries, on the other hand, tend to support a liberal order that values the proposition nation and universal principles of equality [(00:14:44)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euIiWvs2CgI&t=884s). - This view of equality is used to justify various leftist innovations, such as gay marriage, and is seen as a threat to traditional values and identities [(00:15:02)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euIiWvs2CgI&t=902s). - The concept of being an American is often tied to the idea of supporting equality, but this can be problematic as it creates a value-based definition rather than one rooted in tangible elements such as a shared history and geography [(00:15:12)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euIiWvs2CgI&t=912s). - This value-based definition of [[United States | America]] can lead to issues, including immigration problems and a lack of appreciation for one's local community and heritage [(00:15:46)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euIiWvs2CgI&t=946s). ## Alternative Resources and the Concept of Equality - A company called Muddhen Mama offers a curated selection of books that align with traditional family values, providing an alternative to traditional book fairs and promoting literature that fosters character and virtue [(00:16:10)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euIiWvs2CgI&t=970s). - The idea of equality can be an abstract notion that is open to interpretation, and individuals may be motivated to support or reject it based on their own values and beliefs [(00:17:06)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euIiWvs2CgI&t=1026s). - Some people on the right may argue that [[Democratic Party (United States) | Democrats]] are the real racists or [[Nazism | Nazis]], claiming that they are the ones who truly care about equality [(00:17:26)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euIiWvs2CgI&t=1046s). - The concept of a "proposition nation" is a myth that has been taken apart in a project called the 16007 Project Virginia, which is available to watch for free on [[YouTube]] [(00:17:37)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euIiWvs2CgI&t=1057s). ## The Civil Realm and Cultural Christianity - The Civil Realm is characterized by either religious pluralism or cultural [[Christianity]], with some organizations like Legacy Ministries believing in religious pluralism on a civil level [(00:17:59)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euIiWvs2CgI&t=1079s). - Cultural Christianity is often misrepresented as promoting hypocrisy and leading people away from Christ, but this is a straw man argument [(00:18:36)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euIiWvs2CgI&t=1116s). - The [[Christian right | New Christian Right]] advocates for a society where Christian mores, social settings, values, and laws are in place, such as seeing [[Christmas]] trees and manger scenes, prayer at town gatherings, and "**In** **God** **We Trust**" in courtrooms [(00:18:43)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euIiWvs2CgI&t=1123s). - They want to see Christian values and identity reflected in society, including hearing Christian music in businesses and seeing church bells, but not [[Muslims | Muslim]] calls to prayer [(00:18:51)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euIiWvs2CgI&t=1131s). - This goal requires a majority or strong plurality of people in a society who want to see these Christian values implemented [(00:19:26)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euIiWvs2CgI&t=1166s). - The alternative to this is religious pluralism, where all religions, including Muslims, [[Hinduism | Hindus]], and satanists, have equal access to public privileges [(00:20:13)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euIiWvs2CgI&t=1213s). ## Approaches to Control and Christian Influence - The [[Christian right | New Christian Right]] differs from Legacy Ministries in their approach to control, with the former wanting Christians to lead the country with a Christian vision, while the latter may prioritize neutrality or inclusivity of other religions [(00:21:04)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euIiWvs2CgI&t=1264s). - The New Christian Right is willing to work with non-Christians who share their values, but their overall goal is to bring back some kind of Christendom, where Christians have a dominant influence in society [(00:22:05)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euIiWvs2CgI&t=1325s). - This approach is different from the Legacy Christian Coalition's focus on "family values" and "Judeo-Christian values," which may be more inclusive of other religions [(00:21:12)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euIiWvs2CgI&t=1272s). - The New Christian Right wants to maintain a uniquely Christian approach to politics, while still allowing for cooperation with non-Christians in certain areas [(00:21:40)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euIiWvs2CgI&t=1300s). - The goal of the New Christian Right is not necessarily to have a Christian in every position of power, but to have a Christian vision guiding the country, even if it's implemented by non-Christians [(00:21:51)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euIiWvs2CgI&t=1311s). ## Equality Before the Law and Social Hierarchy - The concept of equality before the law is viewed differently by the [[Christian right | new Christian right]], who believe that laws need a justification, which often comes from a religious perspective, and that treating everyone equally means recognizing the differences between various religions and worldviews [(00:22:18)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euIiWvs2CgI&t=1338s). - The new Christian right aims to bring back laws such as anti-blasphemy and anti-pornography laws, which they believe are essential for a moral society, and they see themselves in a "death struggle" with opposing views [(00:23:00)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euIiWvs2CgI&t=1380s). - In the new Christian right's view, equality before the law does not mean that all religions are favored equally, and they draw parallels with the [[Old Testament]], where the true religion was favored over pagan religions [(00:23:38)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euIiWvs2CgI&t=1418s). - The new Christian right often rejects individual equality in favor of social hierarchy, believing that social hierarchies are present in nature and scripture, and they aim to apply these hierarchies to the country [(00:24:07)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euIiWvs2CgI&t=1447s). - Some proponents of the new Christian right have suggested limiting voting rights to landowners, abolishing universal suffrage, or even returning to a monarchical system, and they question who should have basic rights and privileges in society [(00:24:29)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euIiWvs2CgI&t=1469s). - The new Christian right also debates the issue of birthright citizenship, arguing that being born in the country does not automatically grant someone American citizenship, and they see this as a subversion of the [[Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution | 14th Amendment]] [(00:25:20)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euIiWvs2CgI&t=1520s). - The new Christian right's views on rights and privileges are part of a broader debate on the political right, and they aim to determine who should have rights in society and where the lines should be drawn [(00:25:40)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euIiWvs2CgI&t=1540s). - The [[Christian right | new Christian right]] is attempting to draw lines in places where they used to be drawn, rather than adopting more open and egalitarian approaches, which is a key difference between the old and new Christian right [(00:25:47)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euIiWvs2CgI&t=1547s). ## Similarities and Variations within the New Christian Right - Some ministries, such as those led by [[Douglas Wilson (theologian) | Doug Wilson]] in [[Moscow, Idaho]], may share some similarities with the new Christian right, but they may not necessarily identify as part of this movement, and there may be hybrids and variations within this category [(00:26:07)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euIiWvs2CgI&t=1567s). - The new Christian right is moving away from values such as religious pluralism and is instead emphasizing the importance of [[Christianity]] over family values [(00:26:17)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euIiWvs2CgI&t=1577s). - This movement is a reaction to social changes and is part of a broader trend that goes beyond the Christian world, but is also causing fractures within the Christian community [(00:27:10)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euIiWvs2CgI&t=1630s). - As conditions change, some people may change their views on these issues, and there may be a trend towards greater decadence if there is not a revival of some kind [(00:27:25)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euIiWvs2CgI&t=1645s). - The [[Christian right | new Christian right]] is likely to continue to take bold stances against the liberal order, and there may be an ascendance of individuals who are willing to take these stances [(00:28:00)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euIiWvs2CgI&t=1680s). ## Neo-Nazi Sympathies and Other Relevant Issues - Some members of the new Christian right may be accused of having [[Neo-Nazism | Neo-Nazi]] sympathies, but influential figures within this movement have distanced themselves from such ideologies [(00:28:42)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euIiWvs2CgI&t=1722s). - The new Christian right is a complex and multifaceted movement, and there may be many other issues and topics that are relevant to understanding this movement, such as patriarchy and the influence of [[Judaism | Jewish]] people who do not share Christian values [(00:28:25)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euIiWvs2CgI&t=1705s). ## Influence of Other Religions and Values - The [[Christian right | New Christian Right]] has concerns about the influence of other religions, including Judaism, which has a significant presence on both the right and the left, with the left having more Jewish members [(00:29:24)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euIiWvs2CgI&t=1764s). - [[Catholic Church | Roman Catholics]] are also seen as a growing influence, which can be uncomfortable for some Protestant Christian right members who feel that certain values, such as those expressed by [[Dennis Prager]], who thinks pornography is fine, are out of step with [[Christianity]] [(00:29:36)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euIiWvs2CgI&t=1776s). - This concern about the influence of other religions and values makes Legacy Ministry members feel uncomfortable, as they struggle to reconcile these differences with their own Christian beliefs [(00:30:01)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euIiWvs2CgI&t=1801s). - The goal of understanding these categories is to help think more clearly about the New Christian Right and its concerns, and to provide a framework for analyzing these issues [(00:30:15)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euIiWvs2CgI&t=1815s). ## Sources - [website](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euIiWvs2CgI)