The Desecrators

In The Desecrators, Deal W. Hudson and Matt Schlapp argue that the threats facing American faith and society are no longer hidden. They say the opposition now acts openly, and they cite cancel culture, wokeness, public shaming, urban violence, "whiteness," and critical race theory. They also accuse it of undermining the sanctity of human life, including by failing to protect the unborn. They give this opposition the name "the Desecrators."

According to the authors, the Desecrators go beyond tearing down monuments. They say the targets include human nature itself, the biblical and natural understanding of marriage, the family, parental rights, fact-based education, traditional moral values, and the Church. They claim the Desecrators are gaining control of the media, publishing, schools and universities, corporate boards, labor unions, professional and amateur sports, and foundations. They also name professional associations as far apart as the American Medical Association and the Chamber of Commerce.

Hudson and Schlapp offer firsthand accounts of what they say these people have done and intended. One example is the angry and uncharitable treatment of President Donald Trump, which the authors say they were in a unique position to observe. They also write about Catholics who, in their view, have been silenced for years because many bishops have not confronted Catholic politicians who support abortion.

The book also looks for a way forward. The authors set out a plan for the faithful to reverse these trends and encourage people of faith and good will to speak up again in public and political life, answering their opponents with reason, faith, and hope. They present it as a vision of building up rather than tearing down.