Exploring the Return of the Strong Gods by R. R. Reno
Over the past few years, there has been a growing debate on the perceived failings of liberalism in contemporary society. One of the latest voices to join this discourse is R. R. Reno, author of Return of the Strong Gods: Nationalism, Populism, and the Future of the West. In his book, Reno delves into the concept of strong and weak gods as metaphors for the forces that shape societies.
In the following series of posts, we will explore Reno’s arguments and dissect his views on the current state of liberalism. Reno introduces the concept of strong gods as the sources of passion and loyalty that bind societies together. These strong gods can be both beneficial and destructive, depending on their nature and influence.
Reno contrasts strong gods with weak gods, which promote inclusivity and openness in society. Weak gods focus on negating vices and avoiding conflicts, often leading to a lack of strong moral and societal foundations. Reno argues that the overemphasis on weak gods has weakened the fabric of society and eroded traditional values.
One of the key points Reno makes is that truth, as a strong god, is inherently exclusionary and requires adherence to certain principles. In contrast, the weak god of “personal truth” allows for subjective interpretations that may not align with objective reality.
Reno suggests that the decline of strong gods in society has led to a crisis of values and identity. He advocates for a return to strong gods that promote loyalty, solidarity, and shared values, rather than the endless pursuit of diversity and innovation.
Ultimately, Reno contends that the current challenges facing society stem from the dominance of weak gods and the lack of strong foundational beliefs. By re-embracing strong gods, Reno believes that societies can find a sense of home and unity.
In the upcoming posts, we will delve deeper into Reno’s analysis of how and why strong gods were sidelined in favor of weak gods, and the implications of this shift on modern society.
