Rediscovering the Mindset
Rediscovering Lost Treasures - Part Two
There is currently a battle for the soul of the United States. The extreme polarization that marks our time is, in some ways, unprecedented. One layer of this crisis is centered in two opposing mindsets, but these could be more accurately described as two different ways that Americans are actually viewing reality itself.
Technology and social media have given individuals a platform to not only consume information but also to shape and manipulate it. This has led to the proliferation of misinformation, fake news, and distorted truths, creating echo chambers where people are exposed to ideas that reinforce their existing beliefs rather than challenging them.
The algorithms driving social media platforms often prioritize content that generates engagement—whether that’s true or false. This can create a feedback loop where sensational or misleading information spreads faster than factual reporting. In turn, people can curate their own realities, disconnected from objective facts, which contributes to polarization and confusion.
When ultra-wealthy, powerful people control these social technologies, the results can be disastrous.
Two Minds
The country has long been divided by two opposing ideologies—progressivism and conservatism.
Progressivism has its origins in liberalism but is a distinct ideology. Liberals generally advocate for progressive social policies, government intervention in the economy to promote equality, and a focus on environmental protection and civil rights. They support a more active role of the government in addressing social issues and inequalities.
While classical liberals focused on protecting civil liberties and private property with minimal state intervention, progressives, emerging in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, began advocating for government regulation of industry, social welfare programs, and reforms to combat inequality. Over time, this movement expanded to include civil rights and environmental protections, creating the foundation for modern progressive policies aimed at promoting social justice and addressing systemic issues.
Conservatives, on the other hand, tend to favor limited government intervention, free-market capitalism, “traditional” values, and a strong emphasis on individual responsibility. They prioritized maintaining the existing social order and preserving cultural norms.
The two ideologies dividing America today are not of the old-fashioned liberal vs. conservative variety. A third, distorted, and dangerous mindset has arisen in the past decade. The MAGA (Make America Great Again) ideology represents an evolution and distinct shift away from classical conservatism by prioritizing populist, nationalist, and anti-establishment sentiments. While conservatism historically focused on limited government, fiscal responsibility, and maintaining traditional values, MAGA emphasizes strong nationalistic rhetoric, economic protectionism, and seeks to replace the existing political establishment.
Thus, MAGA fosters oligarchic elements through its concentration of power, influence, and wealth in the hands of a corrupt few, often at the expense of democratic principles. This poses great danger to American society. The movement blurs the lines between representing the will of the people and consolidating control among a select ultra-high-net-worth group. This is seen in the way certain corporate interests, wealthy individuals, and political leaders leverage the MAGA brand to influence policy, reinforce their own power, and protect their economic interests.
This ideology undermines checks and balances, weakens institutions, and fosters authoritarian tendencies, potentially eroding democratic norms. It uses social technologies to manipulate the masses with outright deception. It exploits all people, but particularly those who have lower levels of education. In this milieu, opinions now “trump” evidence. Many Americans now inhabit a reality that is constructed through the social media misinformation machine. We disregard actual data obtained through rigorous scientific methods in favor of viral clips that spread lies like a plague. The MAGA mindset is not neutral, it shapes political debates on issues like healthcare, taxation, and social justice.
Brother James reminds us that we cannot be of “two minds,” for we will find ourselves “unstable in every way” (James 1:8). Jesus teaches us that a house divided against itself will not stand (Mark 3:25).
Two Distinct Orientations
Historically, the main distinction between classical conservative and progressive visions lies in their orientation toward time and change. Conservatism often looks to an idealized past, emphasizing the preservation of traditions, values, and structures that are seen as foundational to a society’s greatness. It tends to prioritize stability, continuity, and the conservation of what is perceived as a moral or cultural ideal. Nostalgia is a primary instrument used to enforce this orientation.
In contrast, progressivism is future-oriented, focusing on change, innovation, and the pursuit of social justice. It seeks to challenge existing systems and norms in order to create a more inclusive, equitable society, often advocating for reform to address historical wrongs and societal inequalities. While conservatism focuses on preserving a perceived golden age, progressivism looks forward, seeking to shape a future that is better than the present or past.
The choice between these two mindsets is a false dichotomy. It binds us in the shackles of either/or thinking. Unfortunately, most Americans have subconsciously accepted this dualism, pitching our tent in one camp or the other.
True Greatness
The phrase “Make America Great Again” evokes a vision of America’s past, often framed as a time of prosperity, unity, and national pride. However, this idealized past is not one that reflects the full reality of America’s history. The call to return to greatness overlooks the foundational injustices that have shaped the nation. From the theft of land from Indigenous peoples to the brutal institution of slavery, and the persistent legacy of institutionalized racism, the past that many long for was built on the exploitation and suffering of marginalized groups. In this sense, the idea of “greatness” is rooted in a selective and often sanitized narrative, one that ignores the pain and oppression that formed much of America’s so-called “golden age.”
This selective vision of greatness risks obscuring the truth about the nation’s origins and its ongoing struggle with inequality. The cruelty of America’s past, from the brutal treatment of enslaved Africans to the systemic disenfranchisement of people of color, cannot be erased or glossed over in a nostalgic yearning for a time that was, for many, marked by profound suffering. To truly engage with the idea of greatness, we must confront these uncomfortable truths and ask whether the greatness we seek is one that perpetuates cruelty or one that seeks reconciliation, justice, and a more inclusive future. Compassion, not cruelty, should be the foundation for any vision of national greatness—one that acknowledges the pain of the past and works toward healing for all people, not just a privileged few.
Jesus defined true greatness for us like this, “The greatest among you will be your servant. All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted” (Matthew 23:11-12).
Thus, true greatness is found in humble, loving service to our neighbor.
The Mindset of Early Methodism: Traditioning and Futuring
As we continue to navigate the complexities of a polarized society amid a pandemic of loneliness, perhaps the mindset that fueled the early Methodist movement offers us a way forward. Particularly how early Methodism blended both a deep commitment to tradition and an openness to innovation. The early Methodists—rooted in their Christological identity—knew how to preserve the richness of the past while adapting to the needs of their time. In Treasures Old and New, we refer to this as an integrative mindset that encompasses both “traditioning” and “futuring.”
In the next post, we will dive into how early Methodism held these orientations together in a holistic way. Perhaps, the lost treasures of early Methodism provide a both/and mindset for how we can move forward?
Join Guest Lecturer Dr Steve Harper!
Brilliant analysis. Thank you. Excited about this series.
This really gave me some new perspective. Very cool!🙏😊