By Zelda Caldwell
National Catholic Register, Apr 2, 2025 / 17:03 pm
Vice President JD Vance praised the achievements of the Trump administration in leading a resurgence of democratic and faith-based values on Tuesday evening during a screening of a documentary film series that warns of the threat of “soft totalitarianism” to the United States and the West.
In his speech, Vance revisited the theme he had discussed in February at the Munich Security Conference, where he criticized European Union leaders for undermining free speech and democracy.
“The ruling elite in societies have become openly hostile to the very ideas that these countries were founded upon,” Vance stated before an audience of around 100 people at the Heritage Foundation in Washington, D.C. The event, which was invite-only, included a screening and discussion of the first episode of the film series “Live Not by Lies,” released on April 1 by Angel Studios.
The vice president commended the 2020 book that inspired the film, “Live Not by Lies: A Manual for Christian Dissidents,” written by Rod Dreher, whom he referred to as a “dear friend.”
The title of the book is derived from a 1974 essay by Soviet dissident Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, in which he encouraged his fellow countrymen to defend truth and oppose the pervasive ideology of the communist regime. The book includes testimonies from survivors of Soviet persecution and argues that life in the West today mirrors a form of “soft totalitarianism” reminiscent of life under the Iron Curtain.
Vance described the author’s work as his “most prophetic” book, highlighting its assertion that the issue plaguing the West is a spiritual one resulting from the abandonment of its Christian heritage.
In his bestselling 2017 book, “The Benedict Option: A Strategy for Christians in a Post-Christian Nation,” author Dreher delves into the prophetic decline of Western civilization and the erosion of Christian values that have been the foundation of many Western nations. The book highlights the challenges faced by Christians in a society that no longer values or upholds these fundamental beliefs.
According to Vance, one of the key issues facing Western societies is the persecution of Christians, with examples such as people being arrested for praying in Europe and facing consequences for not conforming to liberal ideologies. However, there is hope, as Vice President Trump’s administration has shown progress in protecting free speech and challenging censorship.
Vance commended President Trump for his efforts in promoting faith-based values and protecting the rights of pro-life activists and free speech advocates. He emphasized the positive changes that have been made in recent months, particularly in terms of online freedom of expression.
Dreher echoed Vance’s sentiments, acknowledging the steps taken by the Trump administration to address the decline of Christian values in society. However, he cautioned against complacency, reminding readers that the fight to preserve these values is ongoing and requires continued vigilance.
In a recent talk at the Heritage Foundation, Dreher emphasized the importance of remaining steadfast in the defense of Christian principles and values in the face of increasing secularization. The fight for faith-based values is far from over, but with dedication and perseverance, there is hope for a resurgence of these fundamental beliefs in society.
Source link
