Nuanced and Complex

Visionaries, Rachelle wrote in to say that “history, like any academic discipline, is nuanced and complex.” Judging from the local response to the first hint of nuance or complexity, you could have fooled me. She goes on to say that “ownership of another human being, regardless of the quality of living conditions provided, is loathsome …

Margaret Sanger’s Racism

Visionaries, Margaret Sanger argued for the elimination of human weeds, “for the cessation of charity, for the segregation of morons, misfits, and maladjusted,” and for the sterilization of “genetically inferior races.” From The Pivot of Civilization by Margaret Sanger, founder of Planned Parenthood. “This following is a very important point to emphasize. Like abolitionism, all …

Br’er Wilson, He Lay Low

Visionaries, What’s the deal? I wanted to talk about Margaret Sanger some more. And Darwin too. Got lots of cool quotes. Let’s have a rousing debate on racism! Throw me in that briar patch! Cordially, Douglas Wilson P.S. For those sensitive readers who might be offended by the literary allusion to Joel Chandler Harris, I …

Without Revolution

Visionaries, With one eye on the slavery issue, Andy asked if something is permitted by the Bible, but is not mandated, should a Christian society mandate that thing. For example, marriage is not required of Christians — the unmarried state is permitted. Should a Christian society take this information and use it to forbid marriage …

Farley’s Ghost

Visionaries, Dan asked what students at NSA and Logos learn about the scientific method. In response to that question, one of the first things they might learn is that the phrases “the real world” and “the material world” are not interchangeable. Embedded in Dan’s question is the clear assumption that the Enlightenment project has its …

And My Son Weighed In

Visionaries, Finally! Someone understands! Of course, it is my son who understands, one who knows my quirks, like believing in right and wrong, not in mostly right and kinda wrong, but nevertheless I am encouraged to persevere. Cordially, Douglas Wilson At 10:58 PM 8/19/2003 Nate wrote: In my years on this mortal coil, there is …

Pushing It Into the Corners

Visionaries, Tim Jenson said, among a number of other things, that using homosexuals as scapegoats was just plain cruel. Cruelty is bad? If there is no absolute by which we may judge society, then society becomes absolute. And, since Tim helpfully pointed out that most societies have mistreated homosexuals, then that must make it okay. …