The Antinomian Society
In Canada, traditional norms are being challenged, with social justice movements and elite institutions often supporting cultural disruptions and protests. But how and why is this happening?
In any traditional society, there are norms. Some might refer to social norms, cultural norms, or economic norms. In any case, norms are the law of the land, and when we follow those norms, we follow tradition. When we choose not to follow those norms, we end up with a society in chaos.
To give a word that describes a society that has no norms, French sociologist Emile Durkheim coined the term “anomie”. An anomic society entails a society where there is a large amount of cultural transgressions. Unfortunately, such is the case in Canadian society today.
Canada's shift towards an anomic society is evident in the recent actions of social justice organizations and their financial backing of pro-Palestinian activists, which have culminated in incidents such as the vandalization of Immigration Minister Marc Miller's office. These acts of vandalism, linked to pro-Palestinian demonstrations, reflect a broader trend of unrest and the challenge to established norms and values. Social justice organizations, possibly financed by third-party interest groups, have been pivotal in organizing and supporting these activities. This support often targets government figures and institutions, exemplifying a breakdown in social order and respect for lawful discourse (CitiNews Montreal, 2024; CityNews Vancouver, 2024).
The damage to Miller's office, described as a "criminal act," underscores the severity of the unrest and the challenge to Canada's social fabric. These events, alongside the government's handling of immigration and refugee policies, particularly concerning Palestinians, highlight tensions and a perceived erosion of traditional Canadian values and societal norms. The involvement of universities and public institutions, which sometimes provide platforms for such activism, further complicates the societal landscape, contributing to a growing sense of anomie.
However, aside from the term anomie, which basically refers to a normless society, it is also important to observe the two different kinds of anomic societies. These two different kinds of anomic societies could include the following:
A society that rejects all historic norms and totally insists on having no norms whatsoever.
A society that rejects all historic norms and instead insists on replacing historic norms with new norms that nobody has ever practiced before in that society.
Both of these two kinds of anomic societies can be considered Antinomianism and Iconoclasm respectively.
Antinomianism and Iconoclasm Defined and Differentiated
Antinomianism refers to the rejection or disregard of established laws and social norms. The term originates from the Greek words "anti" (against) and "nomos" (law), indicating a stance against accepted rules and conventions. It often manifests in movements that challenge societal conventions, promoting radical changes in moral, religious, or social orders. This term is also given in the bible in reference to people who used the grace of god as an excuse to sin and break the law. In fact, in a particular verse of the New Testament Bible in (Romans. 6:15 - 16), it states the following:
(Verse 15) What then? Shall we sin because we are not under the law but under grace? By no means! (Verse 16) Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey—whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness?
Explanation: In the 15th verse of this chapter of Romans, Paul is responding to a potential misunderstanding of Christian freedom. Some might think that being "under grace" rather than "under the law" means that Christians are free to sin without consequence. Paul strongly rejects this idea with the phrase "By no means!" (or "God forbid!" in some translations), indicating that grace is not a license to sin but a call to live a life transformed by God's mercy and love. In the 16th verse of this chapter of Romans, Paul explains that obedience determines one's master. He uses the metaphor of slavery to illustrate that everyone serves something or someone. If a person chooses to obey sin, they become "slaves to sin," which leads to spiritual death. In contrast, if a person chooses to obey God, they become "slaves to obedience," which leads to righteousness and, ultimately, life.
Iconoclasm, in contrast to Antinomianism, involves the deliberate destruction of cultural symbols and icons. The term comes from the Greek "eikon" (icon) and "klastes" (breaker). Historically, iconoclasm is associated with the destruction of religious icons and symbols of power, such as during the Protestant Reformation and the Russian Revolution.
Historical and Recent Examples
Iconoclasm can be historically exemplified by Communist Russia, where the Bolsheviks aimed to eradicate symbols of Tsarist Russia. Statues of Tsarist leaders were destroyed, churches were repurposed or demolished, and royal insignias were removed from public spaces in an effort to rewrite history and establish a new societal order free from the remnants of the old regime (Figes, 1996).
Antinomianism is evident in contemporary movements where activists challenge established norms. Recent examples include social justice activists protesting against nuclear energy and fossil fuels by gluing themselves to paintings in museums, acts that represent a broader rejection of the status quo and an effort to push for radical environmental reforms (Crisis24, 2023).
Antinomianism in Contemporary Canada
Recent protests in Canada reflect the growing trend of antinomianism. Activists have engaged in disruptive protests to challenge established norms, often with significant societal impact. For instance, environmental activists have targeted institutions and public spaces to draw attention to their causes.
In November 2023, activists from the Drug User Liberation Front (DULF) marched through Vancouver to protest the arrest of their members, causing significant disruptions (Crisis24, 2023). Similarly, pro-Palestinian protests have turned violent in several Canadian cities, illustrating the growing unrest and challenge to traditional societal norms (Robichaud Law, 2023).
Funding and Institutional Support
These activist movements are often financed by third-party organizations that support their agendas. Environmental protests and pro-Palestinian demonstrations receive resources and logistical support from well-funded groups. For instance, organizations like Greenpeace and Extinction Rebellion provide financial and organizational backing for environmental protests (Greenpeace, 2023).
Universities and public institutions in Canada also play a pivotal role in promoting antinomianism. Many universities support progressive ideologies and provide platforms for activist groups. Gender studies programs, for example, challenge the traditional binary understanding of gender, promoting the idea that there are more than two genders (University of Toronto, 2023).
Impact on Freedom of Speech
The rise of antinomianism has led to the suppression of opposing viewpoints, a phenomenon often referred to as cancel culture. Activists frequently target individuals or groups with differing opinions, leading to silencing or ostracism. This trend undermines freedom of speech and further entrenches antinomian ideals.
The enforcement of laws against masked protests, such as the 2013 legislation targeting individuals wearing masks during unlawful assemblies, highlights the ongoing tension between law enforcement and activist groups (Robichaud Law, 2023). Despite these laws, protests often involve masked individuals, making it difficult for authorities to maintain control and accountability.
In Canada, the growing influence of antinomian and iconoclastic ideologies manifests similarly to their presence in the trans-Atlantic context. Key elements of Canadian culture and history, such as traditional gender norms and the oil industry, have increasingly come under scrutiny from a vocal segment of society. This critique is often supported by elite institutions in academia, media, and politics. The disruption of traditional values and practices is framed as a necessary challenge to outdated systems, much like the criticisms of square dancing or other cultural practices in the U.S. context (Greenpeace, 2023; Robichaud Law, 2023).
The backlash from the public, including dissenting voices among working-class Canadians, is often dismissed by elite opinion leaders as being reactionary or even dangerous. This dynamic echoes the pattern observed in the U.S. and Europe, where populist movements are frequently portrayed as threats to democracy and stability. In Canada, the funding and support from organizations and advocacy groups for protests, such as those related to climate activism or gender identity, reflect a broader trend of challenging established societal norms. However, as history has shown, such periods of intense social and cultural transgression often reach a saturation point, leading to a counter-movement that seeks stability and a return to more traditional values (CityNews Montreal, 2024; CityNews Vancouver, 2024).
The ongoing debate in Canada over issues like fossil fuel dependence, gender norms, and immigration policies suggests that the current wave of antinomianism and iconoclasm may eventually lead to a societal shift. As Canadians navigate these changes, the role of public institutions, universities, and media in shaping the narrative will continue to be crucial. Ultimately, whether this period of cultural rebellion will give way to a more balanced social consensus remains to be seen, but it is clear that the outcomes will significantly shape the future of Canadian society (University of Toronto, 2023; Figes, 1996).
References
CityNews Montreal. (2024, July 18). ‘Criminal act’: Immigration minister Marc Miller condemns vandalization of his Montreal office. Retrieved from https://montreal.citynews.ca
CityNews Vancouver. (2024, May 27). Miller increases cap on applications for Palestinians to join relatives in Canada. Retrieved from https://vancouver.citynews.ca
Crisis24. (2023, November 3). Canada: Protest underway in Vancouver, B.C., afternoon of Nov. 3. Retrieved from https://crisis24.garda.com
Figes, O. (1996). A People's Tragedy: The Russian Revolution: 1891-1924. Penguin Books.
Greenpeace. (2023). About Greenpeace. Retrieved from https://www.greenpeace.org/international/
Robichaud Law. (2023, December 22). Is it lawful to wear a mask or disguise at a public protest in Canada? Retrieved from https://robichaudlaw.ca
University of Toronto. (2023). Gender Studies Program. Retrieved from https://www.artsci.utoronto.ca/