To Save Western Civilization:

A MAGA disciple of no small renown recently posted an explanation of and justification for all the chaos, cruelty, corruption and carnage we are presently enduring. He revealed that the MAGA rai·son d’ê·tre, its singular imperative is to Save Western Civilization! In order to do that they must suspend the Constitution, purge the US of any and all immigrants, as well as gay/trans persons, and impose ‘christian’ law upon the entire populace by force if necessary. The two most existential threats to the survival of Western Civilization, according to this MAGA luminary, are the influx of immigrants who dilute the culture and the LGBTQ agenda which pollutes the culture. Liberals, who not only tolerate but welcome and protect those two groups, do not recognize the collective peril they both portend. Therefore, liberals and all progressive institutions are complicit in the demise of America, and constitute a threat to national viability. 

That unwavering conviction, dogma to christian nationalists, informs and incites MAGA apologists to champion whatever extreme measures they deem necessary to save civilization.

With stakes that high one should not expect dialogue, compromise, comity, rationality, tolerance, or moderation from such a catastrophizing ideology. Dissent will be met by violent suppression. In the MAGA paradigm, America is embroiled in a life and death struggle, which at its core is not so much political as it is religious. It is the belief that we are engaged in an apocalyptic battle between good and evil and that MAGA represents our last best hope for good. Thus, the MAGA fervor. It is not without notice that cynical politicians and billionaires are exploiting and amplifying the deep fears and sincerely held precepts of MAGA followers.

Those of us who follow a different way also believe that we are in the throes of a cosmic clash between good and evil. But, our faith teaches us that we overcome evil with good. Very different posture vis a vis evil. We believe that if our enemy is hungry, we must feed him, if thirsty, we must give him water. We believe that we must love and bless, forgive, pray for and do good to our persecutors and adversaries. We believe that we must turn the other cheek and give our extra to those who do not have enough. We believe that we must feed the hungry, clothe the naked, shelter the homeless, welcome the foreigner, visit those in prison, tend to the sick and infirmed, and care for the poor.  We believe that the meek will inherit the earth, not take it. We believe that we must do everything within our ability to help create a just and equitable society for all. We believe that we are to be ambassadors of reconciliation and utterly reject any hint of revenge or control. We believe that we must love our neighbors as ourselves. Like our Shepherd we propose. We do not impose. We reveal. We do not revile. We serve. We do not subjugate. We invite. We do not impel. Ours is a religion, too. But it’s not very popular anymore.