Zero Hour with James Poulos Episode 79: Is Michael Knowles a Santa Denier?! Release Date: December 30, 2024
Hosts:
- James Polis – Host of Zero Hour
- Michael Knowles – Host of The Michael Knowles Show on The Daily Wire
Introduction
In Episode 79 of Zero Hour with James Poulos, host James Polis welcomes Michael Knowles, the charismatic and widely recognized conservative commentator often referred to as "America's favorite conservative uncle." The conversation kicks off with a light-hearted discussion about Michael's Advent-themed studio decorations, setting the tone for a blend of cultural commentary and deep ideological discourse.
Notable Quote:
- James Polis [00:00]: "I'm told he's America's favorite conservative uncle. What lies deep beneath the surface. Michael Knowles joins us."
- Michael Knowles [00:50]: "It's the season. It's not the Christmas season. It's when my producers decked the halls of my studio without my permission or knowledge."
Advent vs. Christmas: Cultural and Religious Significance
Decorating for Advent
Michael discusses the unintended Advent decorations in his studio, emphasizing the distinction between Advent and Christmas. He highlights the importance of recognizing the solemnity of Advent as preparation for Christmas, countering the often commercialized rush to Christmas festivities.
Notable Quote:
- Michael Knowles [00:50]: "If it's an Advent tree and an Advent wreath and an Advent little cozy little Michael Knowles figurine, here I am all for it."
The Spirit of Advent
James compliments Michael's approach, comparing him to a "cigar uncle" archetype, which Michael affirms through his successful venture, Mayflower Cigars. This segues into a broader discussion about the role of tradition and solemnity in modern American society.
Notable Quote:
- James Polis [01:21]: "As a country, I think we can agree that we spent a lot of time in the psychological environment created by the wine ant archetype. And you seem to be offering the cigar uncle archetype."
Technology, Society, and Moral Authority
Nicotine and Cultural Shifts
The conversation transitions to the resurgence of nicotine use among men, symbolizing a generational and political divide. Michael elaborates on how nicotine, particularly cigars, represents focus and discipline on the right, contrasting with the perceived laziness attributed to liberal indulgences like alcohol and marijuana.
Notable Quote:
- Michael Knowles [03:23]: "Nicotine is back, that guys are really stepping up to the nicotine plate and saying, don't drink beer, don't smoke weed."
Return to Traditional Christianity
James and Michael explore the trend of men gravitating towards traditional Christian denominations such as Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy. Michael references historical perspectives, including Alexis de Tocqueville's observations on American religious tendencies, arguing that Protestantism's inherent individualism may be driving this shift towards more structured religious institutions.
Notable Quote:
- Michael Knowles [06:07]: "We are not the first people to make the observation that in the west, and specifically in America, people are gonna go back toward the Catholic Church maybe a little."
Authority and Modern Rationalism
The discussion delves into the crisis of authority in the digital age, where technological advancements challenge traditional spiritual and moral authorities. James criticizes the overreliance on technology as a new form of authority, emphasizing the need for trusted spiritual leaders in guiding societal values.
Notable Quote:
- James Polis [12:01]: "People are looking for spiritual authorities they can trust because the technology has become so powerful that you can't really just turn to your rationalist friend."
Theological Debates and Political Implications
Theocracy vs. Symphonia
James raises concerns about the rise of movements advocating for a theocratic form of government, suggesting that such a direction is neither practical nor reflective of America's diverse population. Michael responds by referencing Dante's Monarchia and the need for a harmonious relationship between civil and spiritual authorities, opposing the fusion of church and state.
Notable Quote:
- Michael Knowles [24:38]: "The civil authority and the spiritual authority, both appointed by God, have distinct roles that should work in harmony."
The First Amendment and Modern Challenges
James critiques the First Amendment's original conception of separating church and state, arguing that modern iterations allow for the establishment of de facto religions through ideologies like DEI and ESG. Michael counters by asserting that foundational moral principles, often rooted in religious thought, are essential for practical governance.
Notable Quote:
- James Polis [25:52]: "We have to make sure that the first Amendment, the second Amendment, the fourth Amendment, that these things extend to online life."
Political Accountability and Scandals
The Hunter Biden Pardon
A significant portion of the episode focuses on the controversial pardon of Hunter Biden. Michael defends the pardon as an inevitable act by Joe Biden, highlighting the political repercussions for Democrats who face accusations of hypocrisy and corruption.
Notable Quote:
- Michael Knowles [28:06]: "The Democrats ran on Trump as a threat to democracy and putting himself above the law. Now Joe Biden pardons his son, making Democrats look like hypocrites."
Media and Authority
Michael criticizes figures like Ana Navarro for placing undue trust in AI-generated misinformation, juxtaposing this with the unwavering authority traditionally afforded to the Catholic Church.
Notable Quote:
- Michael Knowles [20:29]: "You're giving far more credence to the authority of ChatGPT than perhaps any Catholic has ever given to the Pope."
Ethical Issues: In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
Morality and Regulation of IVF
James and Michael tackle the contentious issue of IVF, with Michael vehemently opposing it on moral grounds. He argues that IVF commodifies human life and interferes with natural reproduction, drawing parallels to other morally dubious acts like adultery and rape.
Notable Quote:
- Michael Knowles [40:29]: "What should happen is that we shouldn't do IVF anymore. It's totally morally unacceptable."
Consequences of IVF Practices
Michael elaborates on the ethical dilemmas posed by IVF, including the potential for excessive embryo creation and the psychological toll on children separated from their biological parents. He challenges the idea that the ends justify the means in reproduction.
Notable Quote:
- Michael Knowles [44:55]: "IVF will explode the rate of abortion, not only by multiples, maybe by orders of magnitude."
Technology Regulation and Societal Impact
Balancing Technological Freedom and Regulation
The conversation shifts to the regulation of technology, with James expressing concerns about technology becoming an unchallenged spiritual authority. Michael argues for responsible regulation, likening it to gun control, where responsible use preserves rights, while abuse leads to loss of liberty.
Notable Quote:
- Michael Knowles [48:47]: "If people abuse technology, they'll kill themselves, turning into weird little cyborgs."
The Future of Human Identity
Both hosts reflect on the existential threats posed by technological advancements, referencing thinkers like Yuval Harari and C.S. Lewis. They debate the balance between embracing technology and preserving human essence, cautioning against a future where technology overrides humanity.
Notable Quote:
- Michael Knowles [50:50]: "Cyborgs, decadent little creatures that can be controlled and manipulated quite easily by technology."
Concluding Thoughts: Finding Middle Ground
Navigating Extremes
In their final segment, James and Michael emphasize the importance of finding a balance between extremist viewpoints. Michael advocates for active participation in public life with a grounded approach, avoiding both frantic apocalyptic fears and complete political withdrawal.
Notable Quote:
- Michael Knowles [54:57]: "Find the mean between two bad extremes."
Emphasizing Practical Virtue
They conclude by stressing the necessity of maintaining personal virtue and societal norms amidst technological and cultural upheaval. The conversation wraps up with a humorous yet thoughtful exchange about Santa Claus, highlighting the blend of seriousness and levity that characterizes the episode.
Notable Quote:
- Michael Knowles [38:15]: "I am a big Santa respecter. I am, in fact, a Santa maximalist."
Key Takeaways
- Cultural Traditions: Emphasizing the importance of observing religious traditions like Advent to foster a sense of solemnity and preparation for significant cultural events.
- Moral Authority: Highlighting the crisis of authority in the digital age and the need for trusted spiritual leaders to guide societal values.
- Political Accountability: Critiquing political actions, such as the Hunter Biden pardon, and their implications for party integrity and public trust.
- Ethical Reproduction: Arguing against IVF on moral grounds, advocating for natural reproduction methods to preserve human dignity.
- Technology Regulation: Discussing the necessity of regulating technology to prevent it from becoming an overpowering spiritual authority and safeguarding human identity.
- Balancing Extremes: Encouraging a balanced approach to public life and moral engagement, avoiding both excessive fear and complete disengagement.
Conclusion
Episode 79 of Zero Hour with James Poulos offers a rich tapestry of discussions, intertwining cultural commentary, theological debates, and political analysis. Through the insightful dialogue between James Polis and Michael Knowles, listeners gain a nuanced perspective on the challenges facing modern American society, the role of tradition and authority, and the ethical implications of technological advancements.
As the episode concludes, the hosts leave listeners with a call to maintain personal virtue, uphold societal norms, and engage thoughtfully with the rapidly changing world around them.
End of Summary