My Week With Acton « A Voice in the Wilderness

30Jun/0919

My Week With Acton

by: R.J. Moeller

“No man ought to write at all, or even to speak at all, unless he thinks that he is in truth and the other man in error.” -G.K. Chesterton (Heretics)

I realize that the challenge here from Mr. Chesterton may sound unnecessarily confrontational to the fragile sensibilities of the modern American reader. But I believe it is precisely because we’ve lost our stomachs for defending truth that we are losing our country (and minds).

For a moment, drown out the empty, hollow calls for “unity”, “open-mindedness” and “bi-partisanship” that dominate the rhetoric of our politics, media, and academic institutions. These calls for harmonization, regardless of what party or ideology is making the plea, invariably amount to nothing more than an appeal for all others to join their “side”. Unity, as it is so carelessly defined by the secular world today, equates to unquestioned conformity.

The reality of life is that we all believe in something. For better or worse, we all have worldviews and philosophies of life that are used as navigation systems through life’s murky waters. Whether it is in regards to what baseball team we will root for or in deciding whom to cast our precious ballot for come every other November, each of us make decisions, take positions, and accrue perspectives that enable us to function as normal human beings.

In every facet and area of life, from economic policy to gourmet cooking, there are “better ways” of doing things, and the divulgence and defense of the better ways we discover is a moral imperative for members of a free society. Freedom isn’t free, and one of the prices we are privileged to pay in America is the personal and collective engagement with the world around us. This presumes you have lived enough to learn, and that you care enough to contribute your experience, knowledge, and values to the melting pot that is the Unites States.

The Acton Institute, a visionary organization and energetic think-tank located in Grand Rapids, MI named after British historian and political philosopher Lord Acton, is exactly the type of place where G.K. Chesterton’s mandate is accepted and cultivated.

Even in the face of rampant moral relativism and cultural apathy towards “that politics stuff”, not all have given up hope for a freer and more virtuous society. Not everyone is disinterested in preserving the ideas and values Abraham Lincoln rightly labeled, “the last, best hope of earth” nearly 150 years ago. There are still those who believe that debate and disagreement is not to be avoided, and that the citizen who does not genuinely believe in (or understand) the things they say, do, or vote for is exactly the type of citizen who unravels civilizations from within.

Founded in 1990 by Father Robert Sirico, the Acton Institute offers an intellectual harbor in the secular-progressive tempest where truth-seeking, freedom-loving people can shed the myth of moral relativism, embrace the challenges of informed discourse, and seriously debate the issues affecting our world today.

Acton does this with the acknowledged intention of actually discovering and advancing those “better ways” I mentioned. In short, they think they are right about something like free enterprise being a good thing worth preserving, and, for example, that Nancy Pelosi’s vision of a top-down bureaucratically controlled economy is wrong.

Acton’s stated purpose is the “Integrating Judeo-Christian truths with Free Market principles”, and they are refreshingly unapologetic about their mission. Bringing together students, professors, and professionals of faith, Acton is purposefully religious at its core and decidedly ecumenical in its approach to the topics and issues it involves itself with.

Two weeks ago I had the distinct privilege of attending their annual “Acton University” four-day conference held on the campus of Grand Valley State University. More than 300 private citizens, primarily college and graduate students, came from all across the country (and some from as far as Italy and Venezuela) to attend lectures, ask questions of experts in everything from economics to theology, and explore the intellectual foundations of liberty and free markets.

As anyone from Acton will tell you, their goal is not to robotically program minds, but challenge them from the perspective of certain, defined values, principles and facts.

In all honesty, I would need 10 blogs to articulate all that Acton does, and has done to inspire me personally. They offer conferences like the one in Grand Rapids I attended. They have a fantastic website and blog that serves as a useful reference point for those interested in hearing a defense of conservative ideas from actual conservatives for a change. The various films they have produced are stirring, covering topics such as "The Birth of Freedom" and “The Call of the Entrepreneur.” They publish journals, host public debates for their scholars, and sponsor charities and faith-based initiatives.

Because of my admitted inability to thoroughly pay homage to all the things Acton does, I want to focus like a laser beam on what I believe to be the most important service they provide: an articulation and defense of traditional, Judeo-Christian, conservative values and principles in the economic, political, and cultural realm.
At the heart of everything Acton does there is a convergence of faith, reason, ideas, facts, and the practicality any ideology, belief system, or solution must display for it to even be considered as a legitimate option.

The people associated with Acton are not monolithic in their thinking on each and every issue. Theologically, there are predominantly Protestants and Catholics represented. Politically, while there is no affiliation with any political party, I think it fair (and necessary for disclosure’s sake) to say that the socio-political ties that bind Acton employees, speakers and event attendees together are unmistakably and unashamedly Center-Right. You can’t take a stand on issues as a group if there are not some basic, commonly held values and beliefs

I suppose it is a sad commentary about the lack of real and meaningful education regarding topics like liberty and economic freedom that takes place in our nation that a group like the Acton Institute appropriately feels so rare. Or, that each time I sat in a lecture hall during “Acton U”, and a professor or lecturer made a compelling, fact-based point about why something like Keynesian economics has been such a monumental and perpetual failure, I winced in anticipation for outcries of “bigotry” and “intolerance,” that thankfully never came.

Instead, people who might not all agree on the answer, but at least agree on the existence of an answer, discussed topics as diverse as social justice, universal health care, and the causes of the Great Depression in a civil and thoughtful manner.

Almost as if they were truly interested in solving problems, and not just inconsiderately throwing their votes, dollars, and support behind fads or catchy slogans.

Almost as if they realized that ideas have consequences; real, practical, often unintended consequences and thusly decisions we and our leaders make cannot be based purely on feelings and YouTube music videos from Will I Am and Scarlett Johansson.

For “real change” to come to America, we each must begin to shed the cumbersome shackles of moral relativism and intellectual indifference towards the world around us. Truth is real, and it matters. The way we live, the things we do, the politicians we vote for, it all matters. There must be debate, rigorous, vigorous debate over the direction our nation is heading, and no longer can we allow the weak-willed and easily-offended among us to dictate the terms by which we discuss the alternatives in front of us. We all need thicker skins and softer hearts when we enter the combative arena of public discourse.

The people at and involved with Acton understand this. They have rightly seen through the disingenuous calls for the re-defined “unity” and “tolerance” that currently are the clichés-de-jour among the liberal Democrat-dominated power structure in Washington, in the media, and on college campuses from Berkley to Boston.

As if Joe Biden, Keith Olbermann, or Professor Howard Zinn have any interest in conceding their positions in favor of traditional, conservative, or libertarian ones.

Such a self-indulgent insistence upon unity is wrongly presuming that Americans are not capable of both holding deep-rooted ideological, theological, and political differences with their fellow man, and then being kind neighbors and trustworthy business partners at the same time. I think they called this “projection” in the Psych department when I was in college.

No one is a true relativist, and subsequently, everyone believes in something, in certain things. Let’s agree that to disagree is an agreeable privilege for free people. Let’s concede that we all have opinions about the issues we’re faced with in our personal-daily and collective-national lives, and that those opinions matter to us.

And if they matter to us, if we as fallen creatures can find “better ways” of surviving and thriving as individuals and as a nation, let’s get busy sharing them with others. Not in the hopes of making some pie-in-the-sky utopia here on earth, but with a focused, obtainable goal of making a freer, safer, more prosperous, more virtuous republic.

It’s reassuring to know a place like the Acton Institute already is.

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Kevin Gallagher
June 30th, 2009 - 15:08

Fantastic synopsis! I've been active with Acton for 6 years, and this is the best 'explanation' of their goal or mission that I have read. Thank you.

A superior outline.

Thanks Again,
Kevin Gallagher
Acton Universtiy '07, '08 and '09
Anonymous
June 30th, 2009 - 15:27

Hi Robert:

I've been a fan of Acton for years, yet, this was my first Acton U. It was truly awesome. I really enjoyed it.

I needed to go—because I am so saddened by the current state of affairs in politics, culture, etc. Oh my gosh, I just want to rant and rave like there is no tomorrow.

The title of "CZAR" says it all!!!!!!!

I don't recall meeting you, but perhaps we can catch up next year.

I feel truly blessed to have been a participatory member of Acton University.

Michelle Natale
JT
June 30th, 2009 - 16:01

Wow, I have to echo Kevin's sentiments here RJ. EXCELLENT job! I too have been to various Acton events and you put in to words what I consistently attempt to explain to others about what they are all about.

Great work. I'm gonna forward this on to a few more friends tonight.

-John
Tim
June 30th, 2009 - 16:03

RJ-

Really enjoyed your piece. Thanks for sending it out.

I completely agree with your point that moral relativism and intellectual apathy are the two biggest reasons our country can sink so low as to elect a community organizer from the most corrupt political system on the planet.

A nation gets the leader it deserves…

-T
Anonymous
June 30th, 2009 - 16:04

Obama won fair and square. Stop complaining about it. You conservatives just whine, but when you're in power you do nothing with it.

Do you really think we'd be that much better off with McCain?
Joe
June 30th, 2009 - 16:58

Great insights, Anonymous. You really brought a lot to the table. Especially considering that nowhere in this piece is anything even close to complaining or whining, or even the word "Obama". Did you even read the post or did you just copy and paste your response from page 112 of the liberal handbook?

Good luck with life.
Robert J. Moeller
June 30th, 2009 - 19:08

Kevin- I appreciate the kind words, and I'm more than happy to help articulate what makes Acton so amazing. Hope you keep reading and enjoying my stuff. Don't be a stranger.
Robert J. Moeller
June 30th, 2009 - 19:09

Michelle-

I don't think we did get the chance to meet, but a friend of Acton's is a friend of mine. Thanks for taking the time to read and respond. Feel free to "rant and rave" all you want here at A Voice. We welcome it.
Robert J. Moeller
June 30th, 2009 - 19:09

Joe-

I think your response speaks for all of us. Thanks.
thomas
June 30th, 2009 - 19:20

thanks for the post. my son attended this year and i heard many of the same things from him that you said.
Anonymous
June 30th, 2009 - 19:43

Obama was elected fair and square…

Hmm…let's see–I guess voters who register multiple times (try 100) through upstanding agencies such as ACORN- are considered "fair and square" in some circles. While I admit Obama's is not the first election to encounter voter fraud, I think the ACORN situation is just blatant cheating

Moreover, the media are culpable in biased reporting as well…

I don't mean to sound nasty or sarcastic, but I am having a hard time wrapping my brain around this one…

PLEASE—I guess AL FRANKEN, a true patriot and political scholar was elected "fair and square" as well

OH MY GOODNESS
Michelle
Oberon
July 1st, 2009 - 07:47

RJ,
This essay explained the vision, goals, and importance of the Acton Institute so clearly and so effectively.

I really, really enjoyed it.
AKYENA
July 1st, 2009 - 07:55

it was the greatest thing that happened to me in. Acton U 2009 was simply a place to be.
Dydo
July 1st, 2009 - 12:26

Robbie,

Very intersting peice. As a liberal atheist, even I can apprciate the mission at Acton. Open debate and discussion are the only ways effective solutions can be uncovered.

I'm curious, how many folks did you meet at the conference leaning a little more to the left side of the fence?

Also, as an Obama backer, I must admit I cringe when I see videos from rappers and celebrities, and posts from people like Anonymous, who seemingly know nothing of the man other than the fact that it is "cool" to support the man. Please do not let those people give us all a bad name. They are to liberals what Sarah Palin is to conservatives

Your friend,
Dydo
Robert J. Moeller
July 1st, 2009 - 15:36

CDydo-

Thanks for posting a comment old friend. Good to hear from you.

In answer to your question, I will speak for myself and say that I did not encounter anyone that I would consider Left-of-Center, although there might have been people of your political persuasion there. Acton is a conservative organization/think-tank, is interested in (and unafraid of) debate with all ideologies and positions, but focuses on educating people from a Center-Right perspective.

You wouldn't go to a NOW or ACLU or NAACP or Teachers' Union conference and expect to meet many conservatives….

But believe me when I say that Acton Institute is absolutely interested in not only debating ideas among themselves and like-minded participants…they are actively engaging the culture, the political landscape, etc. in everything they do.

Glad to hear some reasonable thoughts from a reasonable liberal atheist such as yourself. Keep reading and commenting in the future buddy.

-RJM
JohnE
July 2nd, 2009 - 08:21

"We all need thicker skins and softer hearts…"

Well put.
Anonymous
July 2nd, 2009 - 11:10

What sucks about your banter with liberals is that it's so sarcastic and patronizing. I feel like if someone is stupid enough to voice liberal opinions in a blog where it most certainly won't be heard (A Voice in the Wilderness), you (and commenters alike) are dragging yourself down to that level by responding in an equally immature and hostile tone.

I had never heard of Action U, and it sounds really interesting… probably something I wouldn't be into… since I am a liberal hippy but it was a great synopsis nonetheless.

I think the issue I have with the blog isn't the blog itself… but whenever a comment isn't praising your views or writing… you, or a devoted reader, lashes out and blog flogs the anonymous commenter.

It paints a picture.
Robert J. Moeller
July 2nd, 2009 - 11:19

Anonymous-

I'm sorry to hear you don't feel welcome at AVITW. While I cannot speak for anyone else, I know that I enjoy sparring with anyone of any political/ideological persuasion. Is sarcasm sometimes used? Sure. Satire? Yep. But I would just encourage you to fearlessly offer up your views on things here and actively engage the issues you disagree with instead of focusing solely on the tone. That doesn't excuse anyone, myself included, for being mean-spirited or offensive…but as I said, let's strive for thicker skins and softer hearts in discussing the issues that matter so much to our nation today. THAT is all I'm interested in.

This is just a humble blog from a low-level conservative citizen who believes in certain things. Take it for what it is.

Is there anything in particular from this article that you did not like? If you have a point of contention, PLEASE voice it and I promise (on my part) to engage you appropriately.

Also, please feel free to use a name, even if it's made up, because that makes it easier to respond to.

Thanks for your thoughts. Stick with us here and see if we can't get some good discourse going in the future.

-RJM
Michelle
July 3rd, 2009 - 06:17

Have you ever wondered what happened to the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence?

1. Five signers were captured by the British as traitors, and tortured before they died.

2. Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned.

3. Two lost their sons serving in the Revolutionary Army; another had two sons captured.

4. Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or hardships of the evolutionary War.

They signed and they pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor. What kind of men were they?

24 were lawyers and jurists 11 were merchants
9 were farmers and large plantation owners—- men of means, well educated, but they signed the Declaration of Independence knowing full well that the penalty would be death if they were captured.

Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his ships swept from the seas by the British Navy. He sold his home and properties to pay his debts, and died in rags.

Thomas McKeam was so hounded by the British that he was forced to move his family almost constantly. He served in the Congress without pay, and his family was kept in hiding. His possessions were taken from him, and poverty was his reward.

Vandals or soldiers looted the properties of Dillery, Hall, Clymer, Walton, Gwinnett, Heyward, Ruttledge, and Middleton.

At the battle of Yorktown, Thomas Nelson, Jr., noted that the British General Cornwallis had taken over the Nelson home for his headquarters. He quietly urged General George Washington to open fire. The home was destroyed, and Nelson died bankrupt.

Francis Lewis had his home and properties destroyed. The enemy jailed his wife, and she died within a few months.

John Hart was driven from his wife's bedside as she was dying. Their 13 children fled for their lives. His fields and his gristmill were laid to waste. For more than a year he lived in forests and caves, returning home to find his wife dead and his children vanished.

So, take a few minutes while enjoying your 4th of July holiday and silently thank these patriots. It's not much to ask for the price they paid.
Remember: freedom is never free!

HAPPY FOURTH
MICHELLE

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