The Tale of Two Wests

The conflict within Western civilization today can be broadly characterized as a clash between two distinct visions of what the West represents: one anchored in traditional values, often associated with historical Christianity, nationalism, patriotism, and family values, and the other aligned with a secular, globalist perspective that seeks to redefine or even replace these traditional foundations.

The Traditional Western Civilization

The traditional West has its roots deeply embedded in Christian values, which have over centuries shaped laws, ethics, art, and the very fabric of society. This West values nationhood not just as a geographical entity but as a cultural and spiritual identity. Here, patriotism isn't nationalism in a narrow sense but a celebration of a heritage that includes liberty, self-governance, and the moral frameworks that have historically supported these values. This vision of the West cherishes family structures, traditional gender roles, and the notion of a society bound by shared history and ethical standards, often derived from religious teachings.

The Secular, Globalist West

On the other side, there's a West that has moved towards secularism, where the state and religion are not just separated but where religion itself is often marginalized in the public sphere. This secular West embraces a globalist ideology, where national boundaries are seen as less relevant than global cooperation or governance. This perspective often aligns with leftist ideologies that critique traditional Western structures as oppressive—be it capitalism, traditional family structures, or national sovereignty. This West is characterized by a drive towards multiculturalism, not as coexistence but as a blending where distinct cultural identities might dissolve into a more universal human identity.

The Role of Guilt and History

The secular, globalist West's self-criticism stems significantly from a reinterpretation of history through the lens of post-colonial theory, critical theory, and various forms of identity politics. This perspective views Western history as predominantly a narrative of oppression—colonialism, slavery, and imperialism are seen not just as historical events but as defining characteristics of Western identity. This interpretation fuels a sense of collective guilt, where every Western achievement is overshadowed by these historical sins. This guilt, coupled with the philosophical underpinnings of Marxism and postmodernism, leads to a West that sometimes seems to hate itself, promoting a narrative where Western culture needs to be deconstructed or at least heavily reformed to atone for its past.

The Election of Donald Trump

The election of Donald Trump in 2016 can be seen as a pushback against this secular, globalist trend. Trump's campaign and presidency were marked by slogans like "Make America Great Again," which, whether one agrees with his policies or not, symbolized a return to national pride, economic nationalism, and a skepticism towards global institutions that were perceived as undermining national sovereignty. Trump's victory was, in part, a reaction against the globalist, secular drift, representing a significant faction of Western society that feels disconnected from or threatened by the rapid cultural changes and what they perceive as an erosion of traditional values.

The current election is yet another opportunity to reverse the destructive course of the West towards globalism, or to lose our civilization thanks to the out of control elites and communist fractions pushing hard for our own self-destruction.

The Ongoing Struggle

This conflict isn't merely political or cultural; it's existential for many. On one side, there's a fear of losing identity, values, and the very essence of what made Western civilization unique. On the other, there's a vision of a new global order where these traditional boundaries and values are either irrelevant or actively counterproductive to a progressive, inclusive future.

The struggle against what traditionalists might call "communist leftist internationalism" is not just about resisting political ideologies but preserving a way of life, a moral framework, and a historical continuity. Conversely, for the globalists, it's about evolution, moving beyond what they see as outdated, oppressive structures towards a more equitable, universally human society.

As someone who was born during the Cold War I am naturally inclined to identify with Western Christendom, the Traditionalist West. The Globalist West can only appeal to people with vested interest in its victory, or those with poor understanding of the broader civilizational issues at hand. It seems as if the majority of the Western political, academic, artistic and business class, lean towards embracing the globalist view of the future. Or so it seems.

In this post I’m only outlining the contours of a conflict that defines much of contemporary Western discourse, where history, guilt, and political ideology intertwine in a battle for the soul of Western civilization. But in reality each one of us has a part of play in this massive clash of civilizations.

Which side are you on? How are you contributing to the process of your side? These are the questions I keep asking the man in the mirror I see every day as I get ready for the challenges set before me on a daily basis. I take it you are probably having similar conversations with yourself.

And when we begin to talk to God about all this, thats called prayer.

“Pray, then, in this way: ‘Our Father who is in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. 10 ‘Your kingdom come. Your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. 11 ‘Give us this day our daily bread. 12 ‘And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 ‘And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. [For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.’] Matthew 6:9-13