Living Not By Lies In Nashville

And: 'Don't Really Care Margaret'-ism; What Is Govt For?; European Civil War Update

Patricia Heaton, Matt Walsh, the Ignatius Reilly of Nos Jours, and Dave Hunt

Hello from Nashville, where we screened Episode 1 of the Live Not By Lies documentary last night. We had some illustrious local folks come out (see above). It was a great night. This was the second night in a row I’ve seen the first episode, and though the book is far more detailed, I’m really gaining an appreciation for the gift of director Isaiah Smallman’s visual storytelling. For example, you really get the sense from the film about what a consummate host Kamila Bendova is. I had forgotten how much hospitality as a form of community-building was a key part of resisting Communist totalitarianism for them. I explained to the audience in Q&A afterwards the philosophy behind Vaclav Benda’s “parallel polis” said that the Communists controlled the population by keeping people separated, and making them think that they were all alone. Vaclav had the idea to fight totalitarianism by getting people out of their houses and coming together for simple things like picnics, to remind them that they were part of a community, not isolated and alone and powerless. Little things like that really jump out.

I tell you, friends, you are really going to like this film series, I think. April 1, on the Angel Studios app. Sign up if you can — it’s available in some European countries, but not all.

In Birmingham two nights ago, a friend overheard a college student who saw the first episode say, “Man, that was more inspiring than a ‘Rocky’ speech!” Good. That’s the reaction I want. This is ultimately a documentary series about hope.

It was such a delight yesterday to see my old friend Lance Kinzer, who came over for the Nashville screening, because he was in town on business. You might remember him from The Benedict Option. He’s the Kansas attorney and former state rep who now does religious liberty lobbying. We’ve been friends for twenty years. He told me he is going to become a grandfather next month, and is as pleased as punch about it. Lord, where have all the years gone?