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Introduction
In a world where identity politics and secularism create constant division, we should return to foundational truths that have proven resilient. The Benedict Option (Sentinel, 2017) by Rod Dreher (b. 1967) proposes a response to the perceived decline of Western Christian culture by advocating for a strategy where Christians intentionally form tight-knit, morally distinct communities, drawing inspiration from the monastic example of Benedict of Nursia (480–547). Dreher argues that mainstream Western society has drifted too far from traditional Christian values and that we believers must separate from it in significant ways to preserve our faith and witness. Dreher's approach draws from philosopher Alasdair MacIntyre (b. 1929), who believes we need a new guiding vision to navigate a fractured culture. He says, "If the tradition of the virtues was able to survive the horrors of the last dark ages, we are not entirely without hope . . . We are waiting not for a Godot [like the play by Samuel Beckett] but for another—doubtless very different—St. Benedict." While this perspective holds particular merits, a conservative Wesleyan, Evangelical, capitalistic, and populistic perspective might approach the issue differently, emphasizing active engagement with society rather than retreat. In this essay, I will argue that rather than withdrawing into enclaves, Christians can most effectively preserve our faith and transform culture by emphasizing Wesleyan holiness, evangelical witness, capitalist economic participation, and a populist affirmation of shared American values.
Wesley's Vision: Personal & Social Holiness
The Wesleyan tradition offers a distinctive vision of Christian life that contrasts Dreher's focus on withdrawal. John Wesley (1703–1791), the founder of Methodism, advocated for personal and social holiness, arguing that we must pursue sanctification and live it out in society. He famously stated, "There is no holiness but social holiness." Wesley's focus on holiness in daily life, rather than retreat into isolated communities, provides a compelling alternative to The Benedict Option. In the Wesleyan tradition, holiness is not merely a matter of personal piety but a transformational way of life that seeks to engage with and uplift society. While the idea of secluding oneself from society, as suggested in The Benedict Option, may appear contradictory to the mission of societal transformation, we would do better to see it as a method of reforming the world from within—a deliberate step back to fortify our impact.
According to this perspective, Wesleyan believers are not interested in forming self-contained virtuous communities. Our goal is also to foster spiritual and social revival that spreads the love of Christ outward. Just as Wesley preached in open fields, bringing the gospel to areas of need, we Evangelicals may also adopt The Benedict Option to prepare ourselves for service. Communities centered on spiritual practices and purposeful living are platforms for nurturing individuals to become messengers of grace and truth. The emphasis on holiness is not about seclusion but about bringing about change—within individuals and society. Wesleyan theology challenges us to consider: How can our communities shine as examples of love, justice, and truth in a world searching for hope?
Rather than forming isolated communities, Wesleyan Christians could seek to be leaven within the larger culture, embodying and promoting moral excellence through ordinary lives. A Wesleyan response to cultural challenges involves not withdrawing from society but engaging it through ethical integrity, compassionate service, and social reform. By integrating faith into public, familial, and vocational spheres, Wesleyans can witness holiness within a culture we seek to transform from within, reflecting Christ's call to be "salt and light" (Matt. 5:13–16). Wesleyan theology is relevant to the pursuit of first-century faith because it strives to restore the doctrines of the early church in our time, primarily through paleo-orthodoxy.
Evangelical Witness to Transform Culture
From an Evangelical perspective, withdrawing from society cannot fully fulfill the mission of sharing the gospel with the world. The Great Commission (Matt. 28:18–20) calls Christians to go into the world, make disciples, and teach the message of Christ. An evangelical approach to the cultural decline perceived by Dreher would emphasize the importance of being active witnesses in the public square, workplaces, and educational institutions rather than retreating into Christian enclaves.
The focus of The Benedict Option on community sanctity, while valuable, risks minimizing the evangelical imperative to reach the lost. Christianity spread in its earliest days precisely because believers were willing to go out into a hostile world and share their faith, often at personal risk. Evangelicals might argue that today's challenging social climate represents an opportunity for bold witness rather than a call to insulate oneself from cultural influences. By remaining within society, Christians can engage in meaningful conversations, demonstrate the love of Christ, and share the gospel message in ways that would be impossible within isolated communities.
Capitalist Response to The Benedict Option
The Benedict Option also implicitly challenges Christians to re-evaluate our relationship with modern capitalism. However, from a conservative and capitalistic perspective, economic participation is not only compatible with Christian values but can also be a means of cultural influence. Capitalism allows Christians to influence society through the marketplace of ideas, one of the primary arenas where we shape our cultural values. By participating in business and promoting ethical practices, Christians can contribute to the common good, create wealth that supports families and communities, and promote values of hard work, stewardship, and charity (see "Christian Case for Capitalism & Populism").
In a free-market economy, we Christians can model integrity, generosity, and service within our professional lives. Rather than withdrawing into self-contained economies, as Dreher sometimes suggests, Christians can engage fully in the capitalist system, using our resources and influence to support charitable causes, create jobs, and sponsor institutions that promote Christian values. Economic engagement offers a powerful platform for Christians to shape culture without retreat.
Populist Affirmation of Values & Engagement
Finally, a populist response to The Benedict Option would stress that America's cultural heritage and values remain worth engaging in rather than rejecting. The United States has a deep history of Christian influence, particularly at the level of the ordinary people, who have often held traditional values even when elites drifted from them. A populist perspective might suggest that Christians work alongside ordinary Americans to preserve values like religious liberty, family, patriotism, and a commitment to the Constitution. We may still find these ideals in many parts of American society, especially outside of urban cultural centers, and they provide common ground for Christians to influence culture positively.
Rather than building isolated communities, Christians should join with like-minded Americans who desire a return to traditional values. Working within the democratic framework, Christians can advocate for policies that promote the welfare of families, protect religious freedoms, and reinforce moral education. Populist engagement recognizes the agency of ordinary citizens and seeks to build alliances across political and religious lines to defend shared values. Through political and civic involvement, Christians can have a powerful voice in the nation's future without withdrawing from it.
Conclusion
While The Benedict Option rightly highlights the challenges posed by a secularizing society, a conservative Wesleyan, Evangelical, capitalistic, and populist perspective would argue that Christians have a mandate to engage rather than retreat. By embodying Wesleyan holiness in everyday life, maintaining an evangelical witness to the world, participating in the capitalist economy for the common good, and affirming shared American values through populist civic engagement, Christians can seek to transform culture from within. The church's mission is not to isolate itself from the world but to be in it and transform it through Christ's love and truth. Rather than forming isolated enclaves, Christians should commit to living faithfully within the public square, where our influence can be most potent.
There is a profound hope rooted in faith in these challenging modern times, where darkness seems pervasive. Peter reminds us, "But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect" (1 Pet. 3:15). This hope assures us that the battle for Christian influence in America is not lost. We can fortify our presence and impact by diligently building local infrastructure, fostering strong community bonds, and establishing resilient institutions. The steadfast and united church will ultimately overcome the "gates of Hades" as Jesus promised (see Matt. 16:18), demonstrating hope and faith will prevail even in the most trying times. We do well in recalling MacIntyre's "very different St. Benedict" and continue speaking in the public square. However, we must also be ready to withdraw, as Dreher suggests, when we become too much like the world around us, forsaking the gospel for temporary sociopolitical victories. For more on this theme, see our biographies for Matthew of Capernaum and Simon the Zealot, apostles of Jesus who started on different sides of the political spectrum.
Prayer
Blessed are you, LORD our God, King of the universe, who has given us this good land for our heritage: may we always prove ourselves as people mindful of your favor and glad to do your will. Bless our land with honorable industry, sound learning, and pure conduct. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion, from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties and fashion into one united people, the multitudes brought here out of many kindred and languages. Endue with the spirit of wisdom those to whom, in your name, we entrust the authority of the government that there may be justice and peace at home and that, through obedience to your law, we may show forth your praise among the nations of the earth. In the time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in you to fail; all of which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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