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Right-Wing Discourse and the Rise of Judeo-Christian Values: Insights from the Arc Conference

The grandeur of historical landmarks like the Parthenon and the Great Pyramid of Giza starkly contrasted the utilitarian ExCeL conference center in London’s Docklands, where a significant gathering unfolded this week. This event, organized by the Alliance for Responsible Citizenship (Arc), attracted around 4,000 attendees from various countries, creating a vibrant exchange of right-wing thought.

The conference featured a prominent message highlighting the perceived crisis facing western civilization, as it was suggested that society had strayed from its foundational “Judeo-Christian” principles. Attendees included notable figures such as Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch and Reform UK’s Nigel Farage, with appearances by U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson and billionaire Peter Thiel via video link.

While the event was not explicitly religious, it carried a heavily interwoven spiritual tone. Key figures within Arc, such as co-founders Philippa Stroud, a Tory peer and devoted Christian, and Canadian psychologist Jordan Peterson, drew heavily from biblical concepts in their discussions. Additionally, financier Paul Marshall, known for his investments in GB News, stands as an influential figure in shaping UK right-wing commentary, guided by his evangelical Christian beliefs.

Marshall, who does not belong to any political party, cautioned against the fusion of faith and politics, describing it as a “dangerous combination.” However, some elements within the right-wing sphere, inspired by the dynamics of Donald Trump’s presidency and his vice president’s rhetoric, see populist opportunities in promoting “Judeo-Christian values.”

This term, often reiterated at the conference, refers to a moral framework supposedly underpinning western civilization, rooted in shared Judeo-Christian ethics. Dennis Prager, an American conservative, articulated this viewpoint, claiming the United States embodies these principles. Originally, the term was coined in the early 19th century to describe Jewish converts to Christianity but later morphed into a tool for conservative Christians, notably embraced by figures like Steve Bannon who endeavored to establish a “gladiator school” in Italy aimed at fortifying these cultural foundations.

Critics of the term argue that it has come to symbolize a veiled form of Islamophobia. Scholars like Meredith Warren have noted its use by far-right factions as an effort to delineate a fictional divide between “Christian values” and the perceived threats posed by Muslim immigration.

Farage advocated for a resurgence of population growth in Britain as a means to restore Judeo-Christian culture. In his address, he emphasized the importance of reconnecting with this cultural heritage. Badenoch, while not directly invoking the term during her speech, has previously identified herself as a “cultural Christian,” underscoring the importance of these values in family and community life.

The Growth of Evangelical Influence

The evangelical Christian influence within the Conservative Party remains relatively limited, though it appears to be on the rise, particularly through vocal proponents like Danny Kruger and Miriam Cates. Kruger has positioned himself as a strong opponent to legalizing assisted dying, while Cates, who lost her seat last election, champions traditional family values. Both individuals are part of Arc’s advisory body.

Georgina Waylen, a political scientist at the University of Manchester, has noted that evangelical representation within the party has increased, catalyzed by a handful of socially conservative MPs committed to specific agendas. This shift has been encouraged by the growing presence of evangelical Christians within the right-wing political discourse.

Concerns have arisen regarding the covert operations of evangelical groups in influencing legislation on issues like abortion and assisted dying. Investigative reports have indicated that certain Christian organizations coordinated anti-assisted dying campaigns under grassroots banners while receiving substantial funding and support from well-cultivated interests.

There are apprehensions about the collaboration of U.S. Christian right organizations attempting to sway UK politics. A notable case involved the UK branch of the Alliance Defending Freedom, which provided materials to MPs regarding buffer zones to limit anti-abortion protests, reflecting a broader strategy to curtail women’s reproductive rights.

This level of intersection between evangelical interests and politics often encounters barriers, as the UK remains a largely secular society. The presence of faith-based politics does not resonate well with significant portions of the populace who may resist attempts to impose specific moral frameworks on broader society. Theos, a Christian think tank, points out that while the Christian right is gaining traction, it still lacks the powerful foothold seen in the U.S.

Dynamic Political Landscape

Rob Ford, a politics professor at the University of Manchester, distinguished the political climates of the U.S. and the UK, emphasizing the secular makeup of British society. Nevertheless, he observed a unique concentration of evangelical Christians within elite political circles in the UK, which presents an intriguing dynamic different from the broader populace.

Historically, organizations that cultivate potential leaders have emerged, aiming to ensure a guiding Christian presence in politics. Initiatives like the Iwerne Trust sought to nurture male students from elite schools for leadership roles in public life. Today, churches such as Holy Trinity Brompton contribute to this ethos, as they have provided a base for influential figures like Marshall.

However, not all evangelical Christians align with conservative ideologies. Tim Farron, a former Liberal Democrat leader, cautioned against the misuse of the label “Christian values.” He expressed concern that those who lament the decline of these values might themselves be disconnected from their true essence, criticizing political appropriation of faith for self-serving ends.

As the discourse around the role of Judeo-Christian values in contemporary politics continues, it becomes crucial to navigate the complexities involved, balancing ideological aspirations with a broader understanding of societal values and histories.

Source
www.theguardian.com