Galt and God: Ayn Randians and Christian Rightists Expand Ties
JSanford printable version print page     Bookmark and Share
Wed Jan 07, 2015 at 02:35:02 PM EST
Ayn Rand's followers find themselves sharing a lot of common ground with the Christian Right these days. The Tea Party, with its stress on righteous liberty and a robust form of capitalism, has been a rallying point for both groups. Still, the philosophical disharmony between Christianity and Objectivism (Ayn Rand's philosophy) has presented problems for anyone seeking to straddle the two worldviews. Just ask Paul Ryan.
Congressman Ryan, a Conservative Catholic, made no bones about his love for Ayn Rand's signature novel, Atlas Shrugged, when he began his political career. The novel's portrayal of heroic entrepreneurs fighting an evil government fits perfectly with Ryans's ideal of conservatism. But a few years ago, the congressman began to feel pushback from traditional Christians who weren't so keen on Ayn Rand's theological views. How, it was asked, could Ryan condone an atheist who dismissed religionists as ignorant and deluded? The upshot: Ryan began parsing his words in a hurry.

Judging from recent trends, however, the icy divide over the God issue shows clear signs of melt. Gradual movement toward accommodation is coming not just from Christians wishing to co-opt Ayn Rand's capitalistic ethic, but from Randians seeking to expand their fan base.

A hint of compromise from the Randian side was evident this fall with the rollout of Atlas Shrugged, Part III, the final film segment of the novel. Whatever the film's cinematic defects--it has generally been panned by critics--the filmmakers have signaled an interest in reaching beyond the usual circle of devotees, realizing that traditional Christians, a key conservative demographic, are good targets for Rand's pro-capitalist message. John Aglialoro, the movie's main producer and a trustee of the pro-Randian Atlas Society, seemed to have their sensitivities in mind in an interview with Bill Frezza of Forbes Magazine a while back. "Most people have a respect for spirituality, maybe even a yearning," he stated. "There must be room in Objectivism for charity and benevolence."

To be sure, the film, which shows captains of industry abandoning a society they dislike to its doom, doesn't exactly exude "charity and benevolence." But by emphasizing the human element of the novel and carefully omitting its attacks on religion, the movie clearly tries to broaden its appeal. John Galt, heroic rebel against government tyranny, is portrayed as a typical red-blooded American rather than the philosophical atheist of the novel. The filmmakers, moreover, reinforce his cred with the faithful by enlisting Sean Hannity and Glenn Beck, both reliable Christians, to serve as fictional newscasters for his radio speech to the nation.

The film is not just an anomaly. It is one example of many attempts on the right to bridge, or at least make more compatible, the two worldviews. The trend is evident not only in the world of pop culture, but in religion, public advocacy and politics.

Two Christian intellectuals, for example, have advanced the issue in public forums. Mark Henderson, author of The Soul of Atlas: Ayn Rand, Christianity, and the Quest for Common Ground (2013), approaches the problem in personal terms. He narrates how his two fathers (one biological, the other step) alternatively promoted Christian and Randian value systems as he was growing up. While the contrast initially resulted in confusion for Henderson, it eventually produced in him a parallel attraction for both viewpoints. Without ever reconciling them, he tries to show how a person might graft them together into an operable worldview.

David Kotter, an associate professor at Colorado Christian University, takes a more academic look at the issue, having authored papers comparing the outlooks of John Galt and Jesus Christ. One is aptly titled "Check Your Premises: Ayn Rand through a Biblical Lens." Although aware of the discrepancies between them, Kotter finds much about the redemption theme common to both. Both figures are clearly in the business of saving mankind. In concluding, he writes: "The ideal man that Ayn Rand both created and desired bears an uncanny resemblance to Jesus Christ." The blasphemy of the comparison does not seem to bother Kotter, a conservative Christian. Indeed, it strikes a similar chord among many of his peers. In February of last year, he and Mark Henderson contributed to an enthusiastic panel featuring the topic at the International Students for Liberty Conference sponsored by a Christian think tank, the Institute for Faith, Work, and Economics (TIFWE).

TIFWE, founded in 2011, is a striking example of a Christian research organization promoting unfettered, Ayn-Rand-style free enterprise. Self-described as a "biblical advocacy think tank" aimed at fostering "biblical economic principles," it advances the view that a vigorous form of capitalism is consistent with God's will, an approach that is actually well established among conservative biblical Christians. The work ethic, so the argument goes, enables humans to glorify God's Creation. What is noteworthy here is that TIFWE has close ties to not-so-Christian, libertarian entities. According to Sourcewatch, the think tank is affiliated with two Koch-controlled trusts and has a Senior Vice-President at Koch industries as a trustee. The Koch brothers, needless to say, are well-known promoters of free market orthodoxy and fans of Ayn Rand's economic philosophy.

Collaboration between Christian rightists and laissez-faire capitalists has been well evident in the political realm as well. The Tea Party has been a particularly useful vehicle for bringing the two groups together, as shown by the activities of Americans for Prosperity (AFP), a group controlled by the Koch brothers and headed by evangelical conservative Tim Phillips. While AFP hews closely to an economic message, it knows how to appeal to a Christian audience. A recent example was the organization's "Defending the American Dream Summit in Dallas" last summer, which seemed "half sales pitch, half religious revival" in the words of reporter Christopher Hooks of the Texas Observer.

Perhaps the most unexpected boost to the Randian-Christian courtship occurred this year in the Republican congressional primaries. A Christian academic with an affinity for Ayn Rand defeated one of the GOP's major leaders in Congress. We refer, of course, to David Brat, the upstart winner over Eric Cantor (and over the token Democratic opponent in November) in Virginia's 7th congressional district.

Brat, an economist with a degree in theology, embodies a new type of politician who believes the two disciplines are intertwined. For him, religion is the handmaiden of economics. Brat considers Protestantism, which traditionally viewed economic pursuits as a valid "calling" in God's eyes, a key factor behind the capitalist ethic (a theme introduced by sociologist Max Weber). In today's world, he supports a rejuvenated form of free enterprise backed by religious faith. "We need to synthesize Christianity and capitalism," he states in a recent paper, as pointed out by Jack Jenkins of ThinkProgress.

The aim of the synthesis, it should be emphasized, is not to soften the edges of capitalism, but to make it more robust. Brat is clearly an advocate of a hard-nosed Christianity that does away with sissy safety nets and irksome regulations. Charity by this view becomes little more than a lecture about self-help.

With his strong views, Brat can be expected to strengthen the ranks of the hardliners in the new Congress. He will help fill the brainpower void on the Republicans' right flank and likely aid in fashioning an intellectual basis for radical Tea Party ideas, using biblical and right-wing economic justifications.

These developments should not be taken lightly. Anything that unifies extreme groups and reinforces their ideology should raise alarms. On the other hand, the Christian-Randian faction may also have some difficulty papering over a legacy of contradictions. In the heat of politics, such contradictions have a way of surfacing when least expected. Critics and parodists should be on the lookout.




Display:
I read and post for the same reason. It is a tremendous resource on issues just not being covered well or at all.

by Nightgaunt on Fri May 13, 2016 at 09:48:25 PM EST
I got to know about Ayn Rand and Christian Right through this post. That was an informative article that go through all the details about them. social media marketing agency I only had a little knowledge about them, but now I know almost everything regarding them.

by MariyaDorothy on Tue May 09, 2023 at 12:40:51 AM EST
Parent


It's all Bullshit: These Fascists only need the religion as a tool and a bludgeon to achieve their ends.

by SPehnec on Mon Feb 16, 2015 at 01:44:58 PM EST

One can still be selfish, self indulgence all you want, just so long as you "know" you are right with JHVH! Or whatever crypto-Aryan god-man they worship.

The human mind can compartmentalized to an incredible extent. The only place where you can fry ice and meet cold flames. Also irrationalization can smooth over any poorly fitting pieces.

The question is are they set in their ways or are some unsure enough to change their minds?

by Nightgaunt on Sat Mar 14, 2015 at 07:30:58 PM EST


Nice post, thanks a lot for your kind sharing! 192.168.0.1

by Shantaram on Sat Nov 12, 2016 at 08:50:18 AM EST

Nice post, thanks a lot for your kind sharing!192.168.1.1 192.168.1.1 192.168.1.1 192.168.1.1

by elliser on Tue Dec 27, 2016 at 08:06:32 AM EST
Believe it or not, it is the type of information I've long been trying to find. It matches to my requirements a lot. Thank you for writing this information. Valentines day status for whatsapp

by alexkhan on Mon Jan 30, 2017 at 07:41:18 AM EST
Parent


The article you have shared here very awesome. I really like and appreciated your work. I read deeply your article, the points you have mentioned in this article are useful
Potty Racers 3

by lindarose11 on Thu Jan 31, 2019 at 10:44:05 PM EST

I have read the article about Galt and God: Ayn Randians and Christian Rightists Expand Ties. I don't have much idea about the topic. Hope it is something related to religion. Thanks a lot for sharing this piece of new information. tate modern virtual tour

by Kaitlyn John on Fri Jul 05, 2019 at 07:16:45 AM EST

Meaningful, very elaborate lesson, thank you for the meaningful article driving directions

by annashetty on Thu Aug 15, 2019 at 06:09:28 AM EST

The American Messenger Company focused primarily on package delivery to retail stores with special delivery mail delivered for its largest client the United States Postal Service. upser

by tivukiz on Tue Oct 15, 2019 at 05:23:21 AM EST

Don't you think this is absurd? Hmm. I hope they are not using religion for their own purpose.
www.concretecontractorslittlerock.com


by Jon889 on Thu Jan 02, 2020 at 06:17:51 AM EST

Ayn Rand's books are over the top and cinematic to a fault. Her characters are all stylish or bloated cardboard cut-outs of people, and the heroes are profoundly selfish Prepaid Gift Balance

by Norbertt on Wed Apr 01, 2020 at 08:06:22 AM EST

I have read the article about Galt and God: Ayn Randians and Christian Rightists Expand Ties. UPSers Employee Portal

by Anna968 on Wed May 20, 2020 at 01:07:38 AM EST

I have read a novel of her named Atlas shrugged and it was a beautiful one. I am a fan of her. I came to know the report regarding and Ayn Rand's and Christian rightest expand ties. I don't know anything about the issue but I just love the novels written by her infertility hospital in kochi

by Nyla on Mon Jul 27, 2020 at 11:11:06 AM EST

So I praise him for reconnecting me and my family.
https:/www.kitchenremodelbrooklyn.com

by naumanrodney on Tue Dec 15, 2020 at 07:53:03 PM EST

Really appreciate this wonderful post that you have provided for us.Great site and a great topic as well i really get amazed to read this. Its really good. Chimney repair near me

by lifetime on Mon Dec 28, 2020 at 06:47:24 AM EST

It's late finding this act. At least, it's a thing to be familiar with that there are such events exist. I agree with your Blog and I will be back to inspect it more in the future so please keep up your act. Cookies near me

by lifetime on Mon Dec 28, 2020 at 06:51:34 AM EST

I really enjoy simply reading all of your weblogs. Simply wanted to inform you that you have people like me who appreciate your work. Definitely a great post. Hats off to you! The information that you have provided is very helpful. garage door repair Provo

by lifetime on Fri Jan 08, 2021 at 10:07:03 AM EST

I really enjoy simply reading all of your weblogs. Simply wanted to inform you that you have people like me who appreciate your work. Definitely a great post. Hats off to you! The information that you have provided is very helpful. garage door repair Provo

by lifetime on Fri Jan 08, 2021 at 10:07:31 AM EST

It was a great information you have shared here about Ayn Randians and Christian Rightists Expand Ties. speech therapy at home Everything was well explained and I hope more such informative post will b shared soon through this page

by Kaitlyn John on Mon Jan 31, 2022 at 09:42:11 AM EST

You are very good at writing blog posts. Do your best to blog. I would like to see more informative posts in the future. 토토사이트

by qhrehf1 on Thu Jun 08, 2023 at 02:58:19 AM EST

Very nice post. Well-shared and very understandable blog. colorado springs water heater repair

by Angel17 on Tue Nov 21, 2023 at 03:36:49 AM EST


WWW Talk To Action


Cognitive Dissonance & Dominionism Denial
There is new research on why people are averse to hearing or learning about the views of ideological opponents. Based on evaluation of five......
By Frederick Clarkson (374 comments)
Will the Air Force Do Anything To Rein In Its Dynamic Duo of Gay-Bashing, Misogynistic Bloggers?
"I always get nervous when I see female pastors/chaplains. Here is why everyone should as well: "First, women are not called to be pastors,......
By Chris Rodda (195 comments)
The Legacy of Big Oil
The media is ablaze with the upcoming publication of David Grann's book, Killers of the Flower Moon. The shocking non fiction account of the......
By wilkyjr (110 comments)
Gimme That Old Time Dominionism Denial
Over the years, I have written a great deal here and in other venues about the explicitly theocratic movement called dominionism -- which has......
By Frederick Clarkson (101 comments)
History Advisor to Members of Congress Completely Twists Jefferson's Words to Support Muslim Ban
Pseudo-historian David Barton, best known for his misquoting of our country's founders to promote the notion that America was founded as a Christian nation,......
By Chris Rodda (113 comments)
"Christian Fighter Pilot" Calls First Lesbian Air Force Academy Commandant a Liar
In a new post on his "Christian Fighter Pilot" blog titled "BGen Kristin Goodwin and the USAFA Honor Code," Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan......
By Chris Rodda (144 comments)
Catholic Right Leader Unapologetic about Call for 'Death to Liberal Professors' -- UPDATED
Today, Donald Trump appointed C-FAM Executive Vice President Lisa Correnti to the US Delegation To UN Commission On Status Of Women. (C-FAM is a......
By Frederick Clarkson (126 comments)
Controlling Information
     Yesterday I listened to Russ Limbaugh.  Rush advised listeners it would be best that they not listen to CNN,MSNBC, ABC, CBS and......
By wilkyjr (118 comments)
Is Bannon Fifth-Columning the Pope?
In December 2016 I wrote about how White House chief strategist Steve Bannon, who likes to flash his Catholic credentials when it comes to......
By Frank Cocozzelli (250 comments)
Ross Douthat's Hackery on the Seemingly Incongruous Alliance of Bannon & Burke
Conservative Catholic writer Ross Douthat has dissembled again. This time, in a February 15, 2017 New York Times op-ed titled The Trump Era's Catholic......
By Frank Cocozzelli (64 comments)
`So-Called Patriots' Attack The Rule Of Law
Every so often, right-wing commentator Pat Buchanan lurches out of the far-right fever swamp where he has resided for the past 50 years to......
By Rob Boston (161 comments)
Bad Faith from Focus on the Family
Here is one from the archives, Feb 12, 2011, that serves as a reminder of how deeply disingenuous people can be. Appeals to seek......
By Frederick Clarkson (176 comments)
The Legacy of George Wallace
"One need not accept any of those views to agree that they had appealed to real concerns of real people, not to mindless, unreasoning......
By wilkyjr (70 comments)
Betsy DeVos's Mudsill View of Public Education
My Talk to Action colleague Rachel Tabachnick has been doing yeoman's work in explaining Betsy DeVos's long-term strategy for decimating universal public education. If......
By Frank Cocozzelli (80 comments)
Prince and DeVos Families at Intersection of Radical Free Market Privatizers and Religious Right
This post from 2011 surfaces important information about President-Elect Trump's nominee for Secretary of Education, Betsy DeVos. -- FC Erik Prince, Brother of Betsy......
By Rachel Tabachnick (218 comments)

Respect for Others? or Political Correctness?
The term "political correctness" as used by Conservatives and Republicans has often puzzled me: what exactly do they mean by it? After reading Chip Berlin's piece here-- http://www.talk2action.org/story/2016/7/21/04356/9417 I thought about what he explained......
MTOLincoln (253 comments)
Fear
What I'm feeling now is fear.  I swear that it seems my nightmares are coming true with this new "president".  I'm also frustrated because so many people are not connecting all the dots! I've......
ArchaeoBob (107 comments)
"America - love it or LEAVE!"
I've been hearing that and similar sentiments fairly frequently in the last few days - far FAR more often than ever before.  Hearing about "consequences for burning the flag (actions) from Trump is chilling!......
ArchaeoBob (211 comments)
"Faked!" Meme
Keep your eyes and ears open for a possible move to try to discredit the people openly opposing Trump and the bigots, especially people who have experienced terrorism from the "Right"  (Christian Terrorism is......
ArchaeoBob (165 comments)
More aggressive proselytizing
My wife told me today of an experience she had this last week, where she was proselytized by a McDonald's employee while in the store. ......
ArchaeoBob (163 comments)
See if you recognize names on this list
This comes from the local newspaper, which was conservative before and took a hard right turn after it was sold. Hint: Sarah Palin's name is on it!  (It's also connected to Trump.) ......
ArchaeoBob (169 comments)
Unions: A Labor Day Discussion
This is a revision of an article which I posted on my personal board and also on Dailykos. I had an interesting discussion on a discussion board concerning Unions. I tried to piece it......
Xulon (156 comments)
Extremely obnoxious protesters at WitchsFest NYC: connected to NAR?
In July of this year, some extremely loud, obnoxious Christian-identified protesters showed up at WitchsFest, an annual Pagan street fair here in NYC.  Here's an account of the protest by Pagan writer Heather Greene......
Diane Vera (130 comments)
Capitalism and the Attack on the Imago Dei
I joined this site today, having been linked here by Crooksandliars' Blog Roundup. I thought I'd put up something I put up previously on my Wordpress blog and also at the DailyKos. As will......
Xulon (329 comments)
History of attitudes towards poverty and the churches.
Jesus is said to have stated that "The Poor will always be with you" and some Christians have used that to refuse to try to help the poor, because "they will always be with......
ArchaeoBob (148 comments)
Alternate economy medical treatment
Dogemperor wrote several times about the alternate economy structure that dominionists have built.  Well, it's actually made the news.  Pretty good article, although it doesn't get into how bad people could be (have been)......
ArchaeoBob (90 comments)
Evidence violence is more common than believed
Think I've been making things up about experiencing Christian Terrorism or exaggerating, or that it was an isolated incident?  I suggest you read this article (linked below in body), which is about our great......
ArchaeoBob (214 comments)

More Diaries...




All trademarks and copyrights on this page are owned by their respective companies. Comments, posts, stories, and all other content are owned by the authors. Everything else © 2005 Talk to Action, LLC.