I've been eager to share my thoughts on "Return of the Strong Gods" by R.R. Reno since I finished it a week ago.
I found this book incredibly insightful. @SimpleStacker's excellent review prompted me to pick it up, and I'm glad I did. While I won't be providing a full review, I will share some of the key insights and thoughts that resonated with me.
Reno masterfully dissects the sociological underpinnings of the political shifts in the US and the Western world over the past decade and a half. His analysis of the rise of populism and nationalism is compelling and rings true to my personal observations. Reno's central thesis is that post-WW2, the West embraced "weaker gods"—ideals like democracy, pluralism, and liberalism—fearing a repeat of the strong nationalistic sentiments that led to Hitler's rise. He argues that this shift has left many people feeling culturally homeless and desperate for strong leadership that listens to their grievances.
A significant portion of Reno's argument is built on the ideas of Karl Popper, a philosopher I was unfamiliar with before reading this book. Popper's work "The Open Society and Its Enemies" has significantly influenced post-war consensus, which Reno argues has led to a disconnect between the political elite and the common people. This disconnect, he posits, is a primary driver of populist sentiments.
Reno also delves into economics, discussing Friedrich Hayek and his agreement with some of Popper's positions. This intersection of philosophy and economics provides a unique lens through which to view the political landscape. Reno's mention of the Treaty of Versailles as a catalyst for Hitler's rise is a point often overlooked in discussions about WW2. He argues that the punitive measures imposed on Germany created an environment ripe for a strongman to emerge.
One of the most compelling aspects of Reno's argument is his explanation of how the political elite often lose touch with the values and wishes of the people they represent. He draws a powerful analogy between cultural homelessness and the desperation that drives people to seek strong leadership. This section of the book particularly resonated with me, as it aligns with my own observations of the political climate.
I would have liked Reno to start his analysis with Woodrow Wilson, whose "making the world safe for democracy" slogan embodied a form of Christian nationalism. Wilson's ideals and the post-WW1 environment laid the groundwork for the open society movement, which Reno critiques. Exploring this historical context could have strengthened Reno's argument.
Reno occasionally conflates economic liberalism with libertinism, which I found to be a minor flaw in an otherwise strong argument. He rightly points out the need for moral ethics in society but seems to overlook the distinction between economic freedom and moral laxity. Reno's discussion of Milton Friedman's ideas further highlights this confusion. While Reno argues that free trade has contributed to many of our modern ills, I believe the issue lies more with nation-state trade agreements like NAFTA, which are not true examples of free trade.
Another area where I disagree with Reno is his conflation of the nation with the state. Nations are cultural entities that predate and can exist independently of states. Reno's argument would be stronger if he acknowledged this distinction, as it would clarify his points about national pride and cultural heritage.
Reno's final chapters offer a cautionary tale about the return of strong gods and the danger of making them idols. He warns against authoritarianism and the overreach of the state, advocating for a balance that respects cultural heritage without succumbing to nationalism.
In conclusion, "Return of the Strong Gods" is a thought-provoking exploration of the political and cultural shifts of our time. Reno's insights are valuable, and his arguments, while not without flaws, provide a fresh perspective on the rise of populism and nationalism. I recommend this book to anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the forces shaping our world today.