William C. Wantland was the kind of larger-than-life American figure who could send shivers down the spines of today's political left. Born in 1934 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Wantland was an Episcopal bishop, lawyer, and erstwhile politician who called the shots as he saw them—and never bowed to the pressure of political correctness. Despite carrying multiple titles like a man with too many pockets, it was his grit and unapologetic patriotism that made him a beacon for conservative values. He passed away in October 2023, leaving behind a legacy that challenges the narrative of modern-day progressivism.
While some folks are content with pacing themselves through life, Wantland sprinted. From serving as a United States Air Force judge advocate general to practicing law, Wantland was a conservative warhorse who knew the difference between activism and actual work. And let's not forget his tenure as the Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Eau Claire, where he served from 1980 to 1999. A man of faith, he wasn’t afraid to square up against the infiltration of liberal theology into the church, proving yet again that he wasn't one to accept the spoon-fed doctrines of modernity.
Back in the 1980s and 1990s, Wantland's work in the church wasn’t just limited to traditional pastoral care. Oh no, he took it upon himself to guide his flock away from the beguiling whims of trendy social justice ideologies. Wantland saw through the facade of cheap slogans and called for a rigorously distinct theological path. One could almost picture his humility at the pulpit as he advocated for the tenets of classic Christianity, not swayed by fleeting cultural diversions but deeply rooted in centuries-old traditions.
In the legal realm, Wantland was as sharp as an eagle's talon. His critics often fell into the trap of underestimating him, only to be ensnared by his taught legal arguments and a no-nonsense demeanor. He understood that the law is not a clay to be molded at will. Instead, it is a framework that stands firm against the winds of political change. This is precisely what enabled him to thrive in his roles, which ranged from private practice to public service. He even advised tribes on legal matters, marrying his respect for tradition with a profound legal intellect.
One of Wantland’s most admirable traits was his unwavering dedication to the concept of personal responsibility. He had no patience for excuses, be it in spiritual or legal matters. For him, the Creed wasn’t just a Sunday recitation, and the Constitution wasn’t just an old document; they were living testaments to a society governed by accountability and faith. Expect no half-measures or wishy-washy statements from him.
While many, in fear of cancellation or backlash, yield their voices to the echoes of groupthink, Wantland would have none of it. His resolve was not just admirable; it was courageous. Wantland criticized the deteriorating state of education and culture, claiming they had been hijacked by individuals more concerned with being liked than being right. His words were a wake-up call for those who believed that appeasement could substitute for convictions.
Let's set the record straight: Wantland was unyielding in his beliefs. He looked at the world through a lens that valued hard truths and factual realities over emotional narratives. Modern society could learn a great deal from him about the importance of upholding conservative values. These are the virtues that underline the success of nations: faith, perseverance, and accountability.
Lastly, his life is a stark reminder that standing firm for one’s values in the face of modern opposition isn’t a transgression but rather a badge of honor. The intellectual battlefield today desperately needs more like William C. Wantland. True to form, his legacy lives on, a talisman for those who refuse to be sidetracked by the incessant din of modern noise.
William C. Wantland was more than just a man with a long list of titles. He was a testament to the power of conviction, a steadfast conservative force in an age of alarming progressivism. His life and work remain an epitome of American values, and his legacy is indispensable for any right-minded individual seeking to challenge the absurdities of the day.