This Is Why Isolating Ourselves Is Not the Solution

This Is Why Isolating Ourselves Is Not the Solution

People who see the horrors of our chaotic world frequently segue to looking for a dangerous non-solution—the Benedict Option. That is why we must resist the temptation of simply writing off the present system with all its problems and isolating ourselves. In resisting, we reaffirm our certainty in Our Lady’s triumph foreseen … Read more

When Planning the Birth of a New Society, Invite the Mother

When Planning the Birth of a New Society, Invite the Mother

At a class at Acton University, Dr. Carrie Gress was lecturing about the Benedict Option and somewhat informally proposed a Marian option. She said she was impressed by the interest the proposal sparked. I happened to be in the class and remember thinking at the time about how well her message resonated with … Read more

Cultural Renewal Requires Dreamers and Visionaries

Cultural Renewal Requires Dreamers and Visionaries 2

One can tell the state of the society by its dreamers. When a society is comfortably decadent, few dare to imagine a world beyond the surrounding material comforts. In such a society, most people are content with the mediocrity of a superficial world in which those who dream are stifled and silenced. … Read more

The Benedict Option Omits the Fatima Answer

The Benedict Option Omits the Fatima Answer

As the situation of the nation worsens, many are weighing their options. One much-discussed alternative is what is called the Benedict Option. The Benedict Option is the name of a just-published book by journalist Rod Dreher. The author holds that conservatives have lost the Culture War and it is time to find … Read more

Is the Benedict Option the Answer to Neo-Barbarianism?

Is the Benedict Option the Answer to Neo-Barbarianism? 2

At a recent talk, I compared our days to the times of the barbarian invasions and the fall of the Roman Empire. It is a fairly common comparison that applies to decadent societies like our own. In the end, I highlighted the need to continue to fight the Culture War and thus … Read more

On the Right Side of History

Members, supporters and friends of The American Society for the Defense of Tradition, Family and Property (TFP) gathered for its 2015 National Conference on October 24 and 25 in Spring Grove, Penn. This year’s theme, “On the Right Side of History: Our Role Inside the Storm,” was fittingly designed to address key … Read more

The Benedict Option Without Benedict

The Benedict Option Without Benedict

Many conservatives are facing the brutal reality of a culture that undermines their Faith and destroys their values. Not a few have made the logical comparison to the Christians facing both the Roman Empire’s decadent “establishment” and the ruthlessly aggressive ways of the barbarians who threatened to destroy what remained of civilization. … Read more

The Benedict Option and the Barbarian Challenge

The Benedict Option and the Barbarian Challenge

Scratch the soul of many a conservative and beneath you will find a villager. Something is there that attracts these Americans to more natural and simpler lifestyles. Perhaps it is because organic and authentic things appear restful and reassuring in a world of uncertainties and anxieties. However, what makes the organic option … Read more