In this episode of Walt Right Perspectives I am joined by Joel Carini, a philosopher and theologian in the Calvinist Protestant tradition. He runs a page here on Substack called The Natural Theologian—give him a follow! Topics include: Joel’s specific doctrinal background and current beliefs
Re MLK, his true nature and reputation has been airbrushed, not least by 'conservatives', and needs to be revised. On his profession of non-violence, I'm sure this was tactical and for its time, and would not have been his position had his people been better armed.
Yes - it was tactical, however, I think that should increase a right-winger’s respect for MLK. He was not, for example, a Christian pacifist, unwilling to take serious action. Rather, on the basis of the Christian realist theology of Reinhold Niebuhr, MLK held that doing no violence and being visibly treated unjustly was how to gain the moral high ground. I think the right would do well to adopt this strategy.
Totally agree re the need to be tactical 100% of the time. Where we differ I think is in believing that a presentation of weakness to gain the moral high ground would work for the right. I don’t think it can because the right cannot credibly present as weak even if in many respects it is. There is just too much historical baggage and present vested interest in pretending the opposite for that to be a viable tactic.
A marathon session. Thank you.
Re MLK, his true nature and reputation has been airbrushed, not least by 'conservatives', and needs to be revised. On his profession of non-violence, I'm sure this was tactical and for its time, and would not have been his position had his people been better armed.
Yes - it was tactical, however, I think that should increase a right-winger’s respect for MLK. He was not, for example, a Christian pacifist, unwilling to take serious action. Rather, on the basis of the Christian realist theology of Reinhold Niebuhr, MLK held that doing no violence and being visibly treated unjustly was how to gain the moral high ground. I think the right would do well to adopt this strategy.
Totally agree re the need to be tactical 100% of the time. Where we differ I think is in believing that a presentation of weakness to gain the moral high ground would work for the right. I don’t think it can because the right cannot credibly present as weak even if in many respects it is. There is just too much historical baggage and present vested interest in pretending the opposite for that to be a viable tactic.
Saving this for tomorrow.