These Letters Are Just the Best

In this post , you suggest that “I am going to be white even harder” is an improper response. Elsewhere, you claim that honoring your father and mother includes interaction with your own people, and that’s why classical education has so much reading of dead white Latin speakers.

I’ll grant that there’s a whole lot of ground between those. How do you know you’re veering too close to the former?

Ole

Spot on in your analysis in “Ethnic Conceit as Denial of Christ.” I would think it hard to miss that Scripture from beginning to end emphasizes that brotherhood & family, in the truest sense, is a matter of spiritual relation over and above any genetic relation. Besides the apposite teachings of Christ you noted, upon reading the tweet, Paul’s words came to my mind: “For not all who are descended from Israel belong to Israel, and not all are children of Abraham because they are his offspring . . . it is not the children of the flesh who are the children of God, but the children of the promise . . .” It seems beyond obvious that the Bible’s perspective on this is indeed 180 degrees from what was presented in that tweet.

With respect and appreciation,

Daniel

Re: The Tweet

I was very surprised to read this:

“But it would also be dumb to give those who are just itching to slander you as a racist a plausible excuse for doing so. Why embroider a “kick me” sign on the back of your jacket? So, I do agree that the tweet was dumb. Why say something that could be wildly misconstrued so readily?”

I had always understood that “kick me” signs on your jacket were a central part of your strategy. You’ve said that you hosted a conference on American slavery and published “Southern Slavery as it Was” specifically because it would alienate those who might end up undermining the Moscow institutions from within. Of course, publishing “The Case for Christian Nationalism” is tantamount to putting a “kick me” sign on everything you own. So, what’s wrong with wearing the sign?

Ross

I appreciate your thoughts on the Wolfe tweet. I agree that white evangelicals are vilified by the progressive left because they are the primary group standing in the way. I also think that “whiteness” didn’t put us in this position but faithful discipleship over generations did. It is an inescapable reality that when people work collectively to the same end and work next to each other their progeny will end up looking similar. I do get the impression that many conservatives want to ignore this reality because if they acknowledge it, they think they will sound racist. Do you think if Stephen wanted to reveal which conservative and Christian voices are insecure or confused about the statistical realities surrounding the intersection of race and religion, the tweet accomplished its goal?

Joshua

Here, linked, is a very interesting/relevant post by Tai Bachman (son of Randy Bachman of the 70’s rock band BTO and Guess Who)—he writes on Mark Steyn’s site.

Here is a quote which I found clarifying:

“Liberalism is the political face of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. There is no point at which an OCD sufferers’ hands are clean enough for him to stop washing. Nor is there any state of affairs which, simply by existing, would end the endless war of liberation.”

Blair

Question: Why do Christians assume Mohammad and Joseph Smith were deranged (or liars) for their supernatural encounter claims but give Paul of Tarsus a free pass? Link.

Thanks,

Gary

On the high heel march… A couple of things come to mind: 1) “Thinking themselves to be wise, they became fools,” and 2) the Devil wears Prada.

Andy

I’ve just recently run across your Blog & Mablog podcasts on youtube. Great stuff. Are transcripts available for any of these?

Thank you. Grace and peace to you.

Joe

Listening to your Podcast I was interested in your Poetry by Calvinists. Is it available yet? I am most interested in getting it. I consider it a gross failure of my education in these 68 years that I still don’t understand poetry. Alas, I am afflicted with the curse of being an engineer and have struggled with poetry for years. Although I think it is important and I should immerse myself in it, I still don’t get it.

David

Hi, Mr. Wilson. First, I want to say I am grateful for you and the work you have done and are continuing to do. You have been a blessing to my life. I have a question. You mentioned in one of your Plodcasts that you had a “reading queue,” which made me curious. How many books to you read at once, and do you map out your books for the year? What is the best way to plod through books? Thank you in advance for your time. God bless!

Mark

I’m starting a Classical Christian School. and in terms of the efficient cause, it’s all your fault :) Being much into thinking about and debating worldviews for some time, I have long known public school would be out of the question for my then-future child (and, Lord willing, perhaps someday I will add -ren). After reading Abolition of Man, I better understood why that should be the case.

Fast forward to 3 weeks ago, a link to ‘Yes Christian, Why Classical?’ popped up on youtube… and I thought . . . yes Christian, and yes, why classical?—so I watched.

The resulting nascent desire prompted a long-shot text to my pastor about building a school. 3 weeks later, church staff is on board, and I am taking up the lions share of initial research for targeting fall ’24, Lord willing.

I am reading like I never have in my life (unfortunately I am slow—2 or 3 hours a day nets me maybe 30-40 pages on average)—and I am all gas and no breaks. Aside from what might be described as a minor pothole, the road has been not only smooth, but rated for high speed. Green lights? Not even, I’m on a freeway. Signage tells me I’m headed the right way though.

So . . . no big discouragements yet. But! I know there will be some.

What can you say to me now while I’m motoring along, all passion and desire—working hard and really enjoying it? More importantly, what can you say to future me who maybe takes a wrong turn or gets stuck in traffic along the way and gets discouraged?

Thanks bro.

Steve

I’m currently in the process of starting a classical Christian school with a group of folks and one potential battleground I’m working through is the Sayers Insight vs the Wisdom & Eloquence point of view. The Sayers Insight makes sense to me and it sounds like you and others have had great success. But since it’s not “historical,” how you would convince someone it’s truly classical and not just an ACCS thing? Is it a “come and see” argument or are there any other resources you can point me to?

Drew

I was public-schooled K-12 and I have heard you talk about the socialistic “air” that is breathed at public school. You have helped me understand more deeply the myth of neutrality and how that is particularly true in education. I was wondering if you could elaborate further on how exactly this plays out on in the content of the education itself? Some subjects like biology and health education seem obvious as to how a secular worldview would impact the content of the curriculum. But what about math? It seems like my non-Christian teachers growing up taught algebra and geometry in a similar way that I, as a Christian, would teach my children those subjects. Statistics, Physics, Computer Programming, Calculus and other math-based classes the same question applies. And even non-math classes like English class and Foreign language. How does a secular worldview impact the content of each of these classes?

Noah

Thank you for your brevity and Scripture references in explaining this —both are why I keep coming back to you when I’m having trouble with a biblical topic.

I have been taking the Sabbath more seriously in the past year, but I still often find myself confused when I approach the concept of working six days; I don’t know a single believing man in my life that works their vocation for six days each week. They either work five days and rest two days or do five days of work in their vocation and one day of errands, budgeting, working around the house, etc. I want to pursue six days of working in my vocation if that’s what God intended, but I don’t have much direction from those around me. Can you help me understand this better?

Best,

Christian

Does Catholic infant baptism count same as Protestant infant baptism. My husband was infant baptized and went through catechism though he is Protestant now but deeply values his original baptism. We’re beginning a new fellowship with Evangelical Reformed Baptist that values immersion baptism and requires it. He is struggling with this. Could you add any wisdom to consider his decisions?

Heidi

Thank you for the encouragement. My husband and I are often chastised by fellow believers, who we dearly love, for our insistence on adding in the difficult passages to discussions.

Melody

I’m writing in hopes that I can inspire a book us ladies are desperately waiting for. We could really use a book that focuses specifically on the history of feminism and feminists, with references to their writings. George Grant’s “Killer Angel” is very good, we would love a reference for other ladies in the movement, too. A compendium, of sorts. Many of us younger mothers try to speak on this subject, but don’t have the time or resources to really dig. It’s a frequent recommendation request on ladies pages that never seems to result in a satisfactory answer.

Maybe some feelers could go out to some historians you know?

God bless!

Bookish

As a brother in Christ and fellow Idahoan— greetings from Meridian!

Thank you for your many books and writings here on the blog. They have been a blessing to my wife and me.

I just wanted to ask if you had ever written or engaged with the topic of how parents might think about whether or not to vaccinate their children? How to think through this in a God honoring way? I know you have engaged with the COVID vaccine specifically, but I’m seeking guidance specifically on the broad list of vaccines many of us had when we were first born. Both my wife and I had a laundry list pumped into us back in the day because that’s what ‘they’ told us would keep us healthy. Obviously now . . . There’s reason for second guessing and double-taking . . .

My wife and I are having our first child (praise the Lord!!) due this September. I feel it necessary for us to make a wise and biblical decision on whether or not to go forward with the long list of vaccines, pick and choose which ones, or go with none!

Any help or guidance would be much appreciated!

Cordially in Christ,

Chris

This article is being circulated by professing Christians, even an influential Christian leader in my city. It’s terrible. Can you help articulate why this is not ok?

Thank you!!

Kelli

“Historic Adam and Eve, eh? Global flood, eh? The moon stood still in the valley of Ajalon, eh? The tabernacle in the wilderness was maintained by slaves, eh? The death penalty for a son who cursed father or mother, eh? The apostle Peter walked on water, eh? Wives are to submit to their own husbands, eh? A crucified man conquered death, eh? Yes to all, and deal with it.”

I certainly believe that the word of God is infallible, but it does not therefore follow that the most direct historic interpretation must then be correct. The ancients didn’t have all of the astronomical knowledge we did, so they called everything a “star.” What appeared in the night sky over Bethlehem we might call a star or a planet or something else entirely, as long as it’s something the ancients would have applied the label “star” for, it’s a reasonable interpretation. Likewise, much of the Bible is not meant to be taken “literally”—poetry for example is meant to be taken poetically. Wisdom, study, and an originalist mindset is required.

Ian

As I have been working through both It’s Good to Be a Man and Muscular Christianity (Yay Canon+), I have been struck by just how much the hatred of authority is ingrained in our culture. Not just male authority, but any authority. Anyone in charge = oppressors. It is becoming so apparent to me that this is the driving force behind nearly every front in the sexual revolution, gender revolution, feminism, and so on and so on. Do you have any of the people you read who have done a deep dive into this? Maybe providing clear responses or overviews or something? Because I can see it, but I would love to have some more help with seeing more of it (which by the way your blog helps me with on the daily, so thank you for that).

Blessings on you today, and thanks.

Jon

Thoughts after “The Weight Room Down at Hotel California”

My comment: “Single homeschooling mom of 3 . . . this content gives me hope and simultaneous sorrow.”

Sir, it is not my intent to simply drag my ex-husband through the mud, yet I have to say first that he is all of a force against the values and needs of raising three boys. He is even a sworn enemy, proven by that divorce document saying something to the effect that there could be no hope of reconciliation. My boys have a visitation schedule, yet it puts them out of the church house every other Sunday. I once insisted to my now ex-husband that he is to be the pastor of our home. He’s the first claiming Christian I’ve ever seen to literally tear the Bible itself into pieces and scatter it across the kitchen.

No doubt, you’ve heard from someone like me before. I’ve gotten the advice generally to find godly men to somehow infuse their lives with. Short of marrying, which I suppose is Biblically forbidden, and our frequent visits to my father’s house, who fulfills a good example to a large extent, I don’t know what to do for my boys’ future as growing into Christ’s men.

What is the protocol here? There are many recreational programs that can give a slight level of good influence to my boys—but it isn’t going to fill the missing component. Then there is the downward force against my efforts by the opposing party. I can already see certain manifestations of all this brokenness, but I can not single-handedly heal it.

I’ve also been assured that with time, these boys will understand the differences, understand the meaning of manhood by all these exterior influences, or just figure it out by trial and error. That’s okay, but in the meantime we have many more years stretching ahead of us with the adolescent years not even in full bloom. I am no helicopter mom. I encourage adventure and such, but I am still a mom. I feel obligated to somehow try to represent both of these roles. As I type this, my almost 2-year-old is readying himself to leap from the coffee table. No worries. But apparently allowing such daring is not all manhood is made up of, and for want of a close at hand godly man’s say so, I don’t really know what all it does consist of. Please share with me your thoughts or advice.

Jamela

I discovered your content within the last 8 months, and I must say I have enjoyed you and your content tremendously. Your candor and wit are entertaining and insightful. Thank you for your hard work and Christian faithfulness.

I’ll get to my question that I haven’t quite seen you address in your content or videos (“Letters to a Young Man” and “Letters to a Young Woman” and elsewhere), at least not directly. My question is: What is a Christian approach to make-up? I figure you won’t be incensed by the question. I don’t dare ask this question in any church, business, institution or pretty much any social gathering for that matter. That’s why I’m reaching out to you. And I need something more than simply, “If the barn needs painting, paint it.” Or there is the other extreme I’ve heard, namely, that makeup is false advertisement on a woman’s part.

I have 2 girls and 3 boys, with another boy on the way. My daughters are 7 and 3. Whenever my wife pulls out her makeup bag and does her make-up for the day, I always encourage my wife to explain to our daughters why women wear make-up. My wife has a natural beauty and doesn’t cake on the makeup for which I’m thankful. I think she sets a good example in her conduct to our daughters, but I think we may need a more robust explanation concerning make-up.

My wife and I have collaborated and have come up with several key points surrounding makeup. They are: 1.) God values beauty, not just utility or pragmatism (Exodus 28:2; Psalm 27:4). 2.) Human beings are beautiful, though marred, being made in God’s image (Genesis 1:26-28, 31). 3.) Women are beautiful in a unique way different than men, and adorning themselves with beauty is pleasant, and hopefully, brings God joy and glory (1 Cor 11:1-10). I’m also aware of Chesterton’s comment in Orthodoxy, “A lover does not give a girl a necklace to hide her neck.” It is because a man already loves his woman that he gives her items with which she can adorn herself . . .

I still feel that something is lacking here surrounding this topic and would appreciate your input. If you want to pass on this, I wouldn’t blame you. Prayers for you and your endeavors.

Respectfully,

Luke

I am looking for some advice pertaining to my evangelistic efforts. I have a co-worker who is openly gay, and I am trying to find the best way to share the Gospel with him. I don’t know what the line is between associating with someone who has sinful lifestyle (that they are proud of), and developing a relationship with them to share the Gospel. I want to invite him to church, but I doubt he will accept that offer and I wonder if I should develop a friendship with him outside of work first—but I wonder if that is wise. I greatly desire for him to know the joy and freedom that is found in repenting and turning to Christ, and I pray for his soul, but I don’t know what is a wise way for me to share with him. Any advice?

God bless,

Mathan

On Taking the Bait: I’ve appreciated your counsel of caution, but I am sorry to apprise you of the fact that they have now come for Plum:

Justin

I read your comment on the complementarianism in the church rebounding back in the boy girl confusion today. This is a problem of binding, loosing, and leavening. The parable if the woman leavening the dough shows the long term nature and effect of the work of the church. But if the leaven is tainted or poisoned, then the bread will be also. The evangelical church has doctrines, several unofficial, that are tainted. Examples are: we are not under the law, so don’t need to study it; preach the gospel only; the rapture is happening anytime now; the constant bickering and breakup of churches, etc. Contempt for the law in church rebounds to lawlessness in culture. Gospel only leads to rudderless disciples. Bickering in church is reflected in increasing societal distrust. Imminent rapture belies the gospel only doctrine by telling church members that evangelism is futile because we are in the last times and no one will listen. Recently I asked my Sunday school class when was the last time the various churches in the county Baptist association got together to fellowship and minister. None could remember. So if we don’t even like each other, love one another, enough for an occasional get together, why would unbelievers not be the same way and worse? And that’s for folks of the same denomination, imagine the fantods over fellowshiping with some Pentecostals or God forbid, Presbyterians.

These doctrines have been taught without consideration of their effects. Throw in the poison doctrines of proto-wokism worked in the last several decades and you have a recipe for societal madness. Changing anything is monumentally difficult because the imminent rapture doctrine leads to a rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic mentality which in turn mitigates against repentance in the church. I fear the judgment of God on this toxic brew and plead for His mercy and grace. May He bless all your ministry, especially the teaching of the nation.

James

When the Lord began to expose the state of the church in 2020, I found your online voice to be an anchor. You weren’t panicked when every single person in my world was. However, I sort of thought you were naive . . . tucked away in an idyllic little town in Idaho. Cheerful, but not really informed, not faced with the grim realities that people like me have to live with living near a big city. I recently read your book “The Cultural Mind.” Thank you, sir.

It became very clear that you’ve been a ranger on the border for longer than I’ve been alive. It is good to know your optimism comes from knowledge—knowing the Shepherd who doesn’t leave His sheep.

May the Lord strengthen and establish the work of your hands,

P.S. For some reason I began praying that founding a law school is on the horizon for the saints in Moscow. So just a heads up.

Jana

The Dear Darla letters were very helpful, but I’m hoping for advice for girls who did not come from a Christian home and are largely doing the spiritual vetting on their own (with church help of course). I came from a very nominal family and found my way to the reformed world in my early-mid 20’s. Now in my late 20’s, I’m a member of a good church but I am still fumbling through figuring things out. Recently, I met a man who has almost exactly the same background, and we’ve had lots of frank conversation about what we want in life, family, marriage. Both of our goal is to raise a godly family in a Christian home. In a nutshell, our trajectory is the same, we’re both trying to row in the same direction. But, like me, he is also starting from scratch and learning as he goes. We each have major weaknesses—for example, he struggles with regular church attendance, I struggle with consistent Bible study, but we are both striving to overcome these issues. My question is, what level of ‘flawed’ is too flawed to consider someone as a potential spouse, particularly for people like us who do not have the ‘foundation’ that those who grew up in devout homes may have, and are having to build it brick by brick? Of course it will take a lot of discussion, prayer, and counsel, but if the demonstrated potential and genuine faith is there, can Christians like us pursue marriage and grow together? It sure is hard to do it alone.

Anon

I thought I was saved at 18 but was always in sin even going to church and talking to people about God. I stopped going to church and everything for awhile but I recently have repented and I believe I can only be saved by Jesus. But I read Hebrews 6: 4-6. Does this make me unable to be saved or what does Hebrews 6: 4-6 mean to me?

Chris