Whatever one thinks of William F. Buckley’s influence in the conservative-libertarian fusion of the last seventy years one of his most important acts was to to banish the Anti-Semites from the movement and the masthead of National Review.
The rise of alternative and online media at the start of the 21st century diminished the role of gatekeepers and experts - reshaping ideological movements, and super-charging self-expression.
Martin Gurri identified this “crisis in authority” over a decade ago in The Revolt of the Public. Vital new perspectives and minority (or simply neglected) views are shared widely. Corruption and incompetency in governments and institutions are more easily exposed. It also means the fringes are back, bearing conspiracy theories and a whole lot of over-written nonsense. There is a cautionary tale in the emergence of the alt-right and Curtis Yarvin’s authoritarian awakening among the online autodidacts for whom there is no such thing as a discredited idea.
How does one “read well” without giving clicks to dreck and drivel? Or discern between serious scholarship and self-published esoterica?
The truth gives peace. Lies beget dark thoughts, fear, and eventually, violence.
All the more reason to read, “The Mystery of Israel,” in First Things by post liberal Catholic and Iranian-American, Sorhab Ahmari. I disagree with Ahmari on many things economic and political. He has written a “remarkable” piece as a “a son of the Church” and “a son of the Middle East” on the vital connection between Christians and Jews and what it signifies in this age.
Christians and Jews must respect what divides us theologically while recognizing and nurturing the far deeper bond “to Abraham and his children forever.” An important message in particular for “very online” young people to avoid the undertow of this uniquely unholy hatred that is corrosive to the intellect and heart.
Since the start of the Israel-Hamas war, Anti-Semitic incidents have increased by over 300 percent in the United States alone, including “40 incidents of physical assault, 337 incidents of vandalism, 749 incidents of verbal or written harassment.” Not to mention the hundreds of rallies and public demonstrations, many taking place on college campuses.
Much of this current outburst may be driven by an irreligious generation (or three) ignorant of history, embedded in mimetic ‘protest culture’ and swept up by its attendant peer pressures. Anti-Semitism is not a left or right phenomena. It tracks with belief in conspiracy theories, and speaks the language of scapegoating. This sin has implicated many Christians throughout history and into the present. Mary Eberstadt’s three encounters with anti-Semitism illustrate how the nursing of private hatreds can give rise to evil words and acts. For every Ulma family, there were many who were indifferent or complicit in the genocide of their neighbors.
As recently as December 23, 2023 Bishop Robert Barron wrote, “Catholics cannot be Anti-Semites”, prompted by the blast of unhinged comments he received for posting Hannukah greetings on Word on Fire’s social media platforms. Bishop Barron concludes with a Buckley-inspired ultimatum, “I want the most convicted and intelligent Catholics. Period. But I cannot have Anti-Semites.”
What Buckley banished and Nostra Aetate condemned at the Second Vatican Council, has found new entry points and audiences in the fuzzy world of alternative political movements and publications. Holocaust denial is on the rise - a view held by 20 percent of people under 30, according to a recent YouGov survey.
The return of the fringes, rising Anti-Semitism, and credulity given to conspiracies makes it all the more urgent for publishers, editors, and writers to follow the examples set by Ahmari, Eberstadt, Robert George, and Bishop Barron. Speak the truth. It is simple, clear, and brings peace.