The rule of law versus overriding goals

In our era of social media, reasoned dialogue does not fare especially well. Too many of us are tempted to post short pithy memes containing half truths at best, all in an effort to score points against opponents whom we will almost certainly fail to persuade. 

In more than one place I have seen one such meme directed against those who may harbour doubts about the legality of current deportation policies in the United States. It runs as follows: if immigrants failed to respect due process in entering the country illegally, why should they themselves expect to be treated in accordance with due process? On the surface this may sound right to some.  But there is an obvious flaw in this reasoning: what if we were to apply it to ordinary criminals, for example, those who commit theft or murder? It would upend the constitutional guarantee of a fair trial for those alleged to have committed such crimes.

Ron Dart and the High Tory tradition

Not long ago I interviewed Ron Dart, a retired academic at the University of the Fraser Valley on a subject about which he has written extensively: Ron Dart and the High Tory tradition. An excerpt:

What is a Tory? Here in Canada, members and supporters of our federal and provincial Conservative Parties are known as Tories. But what does this mean? Is it similar to the Republican Party to our south? Or is there something distinctive about our Canadian conservative tradition that gives the Tory label a different connotation? Many of our fellow citizens would be at a loss to answer these questions.

But not Ron Dart, with whom I was privileged to talk some weeks ago.

Dart is Canada's resident expert on this country's Tory tradition and an admirer of George Parkin Grant, whom I was privileged to hear on two occasions, and Stephen Leacock, both of whom exemplify the Tory tradition.

Free Library review

One more review of Citizenship Without Illusions has appeared at The Free Library website. It's a very brief review written by Alexander Pyles. An excerpt:

Ending on a note that one can see coming, Koyzis affirms that Christians are God's children first, despite any allegiance or feeling of loyalty to a nation. Such feelings come second to our identity in Christ. At a time of rising Christian nationalism and even Christofascism, this is a reminder that Christians must do better for our neighbors, both local and global. 

I am, of course, grateful for another positive review of my book. 

Recent activities for July 2025

I have now posted my Global Scholars newsletter for July 2025. Included is an interview on the subject of my second book, two brief articles on scandal and marriage (separate topics!), and one more review of my third book, Citizenship Without Illusions. Thank you so much for your continued financial and prayer support for my work! I deeply appreciate it.

The good of marriage

The recent wedding of our daughter and son-in-law prompted this reflection on a basic social institution: The good of marriage. An excerpt:

As I am only two generations removed from arranged marriage, I am well aware that past communities were unwilling to leave so important an institution solely in the hands of the prospective partners. If, as the old saying goes, it takes a village to raise a child, it also takes a supportive community to make a successful marriage.

Read the entire article here.