Political implications of spiritual rhetoric

The influential author derides secularism and the modern world. Conservatives—including the vice president—are joining him on a march back to the Middle Ages.

By Robert F. Worth

From the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠March 2026 issue⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Get more from your favorite Atlantic voices when you subscribe. You’ll enjoy unlimited access to Pulitzer-winning journalism, from clear-eyed analysis and insight on breaking news.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices