After Donald Trump’s return to power, a growing group of thinkers began celebrating what they believed was a historic shift.
They called it the return of the “strong gods.”
A revival of:
- Faith
- Family
- Nation
- Moral certainty
According to this view, modern liberal society had become too weak—too fragmented, too disconnected.
And Trump, they believed, would restore what was lost.
But critics say this belief isn’t just optimistic…
It’s dangerously misguided.
The Myth of the “Strong Gods”
The idea comes from thinkers who argue that Western societies abandoned their foundations after World War II.
In their telling:
- Liberalism replaced tradition
- Individualism weakened community
- Openness dissolved identity
The result?
A society that feels empty, disconnected, and unstable.
So the solution, they claim, is to bring back “strong gods”—shared beliefs powerful enough to unite people again.
It’s a compelling story.
But according to critics, it doesn’t match reality.
The Open Society Isn’t the Enemy
Philosopher Karl Popper introduced the idea of the “open society”—a system built on:
- Freedom of thought
- Critical discussion
- Constant improvement
This wasn’t meant to destroy tradition.
It was meant to prevent something far worse:
Totalitarianism.
The horrors of fascism and authoritarian rule weren’t caused by too much openness—but by rigid, unquestioned systems of power.
And that’s what the open society was designed to resist.
The Real Problem Isn’t Too Much Freedom
Critics agree on one thing:
Modern society does feel disconnected.
There is:
- Rising loneliness
- Declining community ties
- Weakening social institutions
But here’s the key difference:
Postliberal thinkers blame openness.
Others argue the problem is deeper.
It’s not that society is too free…
It’s that it has lost the structures that give freedom meaning.
Why Trump Isn’t the Answer
This is where the argument becomes sharp—and controversial.
Some supporters believe Trump represents a return to strength and order.
But critics argue the opposite:
He is not rebuilding foundations…
He is accelerating their collapse.
Instead of restoring stable institutions, they say:
- Trust in government continues to erode
- Authority becomes more personal than institutional
- Politics shifts toward loyalty and identity over rules
In other words, power becomes about the person—not the system.
From Institutions to Personal Rule
Historically, modern democracies rely on what sociologist Max Weber called “rational-legal authority”:
Power comes from laws and institutions.
But critics warn that something older is re-emerging:
➡️ Charismatic authority
➡️ Personal loyalty
➡️ Patronage and favoritism
This kind of system may feel powerful.
But it’s unstable.
Because it depends on individuals—not structures.
The Illusion of Renewal
Perhaps the most striking critique is this:
The so-called “movement” isn’t building anything lasting.
It’s not creating:
- Strong communities
- New institutions
- Durable systems
Instead, it behaves more like a cultural phenomenon:
- Online identity
- Political fandom
- Emotional reaction
And while it generates energy…
It doesn’t generate stability.
A Deeper Truth About Society
Here’s the uncomfortable reality many analysts point to:
You can’t simply go back.
You can’t recreate a past version of society by force.
Because modern societies are:
- Complex
- Diverse
- Interconnected
Trying to impose simple, unified identities on them often leads to conflict—not cohesion.
What Actually Holds Society Together?
The answer may lie in balance:
- Openness and structure
- Freedom and belonging
- Individual rights and shared meaning
Too much of either extreme creates problems.
And solving those problems requires building—not just reacting.
A Warning Hidden in Hope
The idea of restoring strength, unity, and purpose is powerful.
It taps into something real.
But if the solution is based on illusion rather than reality…
It can make things worse.
Because history shows one thing clearly:
True renewal doesn’t come from tearing systems down.
It comes from building something stronger in their place.
