Longing for the Crusades

In a recent Wall Street Journal column, Louise Perry suggested that American Christianity is becoming more masculine and expressed nostalgia for the spiritual fervor of the Crusades. Writing for the Free Expression feature, Perry noted a desire for moral clarity and purpose among young men, contrasting the leadership of Pope Urban II during the First Crusade with what she described as the xenophilia of modern Christian leaders.

Perry argued that nationalism and militarism are not contrary to the gospel and claimed that political efforts against illegal immigrants have a Christian basis. Her observations stand in contrast to the convictions of Pope Leo XIV regarding the importance of welcoming strangers.