Liberalism's Illiberalism (part one)

“…and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” –John 8:32

I am a liberal. Shocking, I am sure. But then so are you. I am, of course, speaking here of the classical sense of the term dating back to the 1600’s when liberalism first emerged and then flowered in the 1700’s. In the process, it knocked kings off of thrones, de-established national churches, and affirmed religious freedom, civil rights, and individual liberties. In order to understand liberalism, one must keep in mind the state of things against which it rebelled. In that day, the divine right of kings gave them absolute power over all persons and property. Religion was established by governments and enjoyed total monopoly, country by country. Constitutional government was seen as a heretical threat to the established order and the common man was viewed as incapable of ruling himself through any kind of participatory government. Authority was situated in persons, royal or ecclesiastical, rather than law.

John Locke was extremely influential in enunciating the basic tenets of classical liberalism. Thomas Jefferson considered Francis Bacon, John Locke, and Isaac Newton the three greatest men who ever lived. Alexander Hamilton and James Madison along with others of the founding fathers were also deeply influenced by John Locke. Portions of the Declaration of Independence such as “the long train of abuses” and “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” were lifted in part or whole from the writings of John Locke. His thoughts on religion became the basis of the separation of church and state arguing that no civil magistrate could ever hope to deduce what is the one true and right church nor compel belief on the part of others.

Classical liberalism has flourished for hundreds of years principally here and in Europe. It has worked remarkably well, everything considered, spawning great freedom and prosperity. Today, it is in trouble. One only has to read the papers daily to see that we are descending into an increasingly polarized society. Even secular voices are decrying the lack of “civil discourse.” And we are witnessing the galloping ascent of a new form of totalitarianism becoming known as “the dictatorship of relativism.” In this brave new world, nonjudgmentalism or tolerance becomes the supreme virtue that steam-rolls all others.

Classical liberalism meant defending the dignity of the individual against coercion and domination. Modern liberalism drinks from the fountain of John Stuart Mill (1806-1873) who focused on cultural or moral empowerment. We are not truly free unless we have the means to do what we want. Mill rebelled at the tyranny of any dominant social consensus desiring the freedom to undertake “experiments in living.” Today’s liberals champion social and cultural rebellion as a means of empowerment, expanding the limits of freedom so people can live as they please: lifestyle liberation.

Conservative Christians who stubbornly cling to certain moral absolutes are seen to stand in the way as an impediment and a threat. Classical liberalism argued from a strong base of principles and firm convictions. Modern liberalism today imposes their self-proclaimed “mainstream, majority status” as the club they are not in the least hesitant to use. They trump all argument by fiat because they can. Conservatives are to be denounced rather than debated. We are being driven into exile and forced to wear labels such as “mean-spirited” and “divisive.” It is very telling when civil issues are determined more by name-calling, political sloganing, and ridicule than by honest engagement.

Classical liberalism is fast descending into the abyss of absolutism of a new and different kind. In so doing, it will destroy itself by separating itself from its biggest ally and strongest base. Get ready for some interesting times. (…to be continued)