There has been an exchange going on between Joe Carter and a few other blogs and commenters on the present state of conservatism centered around this post. I'd encourage all of you to read that for some good thoughts on the state of modern conservatism, but for now I'd call your attention to this comment on the trouble with inflammatory rhetoric. This is a good caution/warning for all who are passionate about their cause, whether it be a spiritual, ecclesiastical, political or any other cause:
A more formal, serious tone is (at least in my opinion) appropriate for serious matters. Accusations may be emotionally satisfying to us when we are troubled and even frightened with the way matters of state are tending but violent speech can have very serious, unintended consequences. The greater the danger, the more we need clear thinking, a “steady hand at the helm”. A passage from St. Bernard of Clairvaux makes an impression: “When the battle is at hand … They think not of glory and seek to be formidable rather than flamboyant. At the same time, they are not quarrelsome, rash, or unduly hasty, but soberly, prudently and providently drawn up into orderly ranks, as we read of the fathers. Indeed the true Israelite is a man of peace, even when he goes forth to battle.” If there are times when inflammatory rhetoric presents no great danger, that time is not now. Setting one unsettled mind afire is all that it takes; that spark can be the beginning of a conflagration.
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