25 Comments
User's avatar
Bani D's avatar

Congratulations, Aaron! I didn't need a NYT article to know I should support you. Glad they're finally catching up.

Expand full comment
Stefan Booy's avatar

Well deserved... "all of the sudden, over a long period of time!"

Expand full comment
The Last Real Calvinist's avatar

It's a very good profile, Aaron.

And for those with eyes that can see and ears that can hear, your thesis is proven right on the spot by the fountains of arrogant I-know-betterism in the comments emanating from Negative World.

Expand full comment
Aaron M. Renn's avatar

I'm strategically avoiding reading the comments.

Expand full comment
Paul Perrone's avatar

Well I will say congratulations, but temper it with a warning. Do not get beguiled by praise from the Left. When I was in the military many years ago, selected senior Colonels would be invited to attend the Harvard JFK School of Government for a short course. When they came back after being wined, dined and feted by the “elite” they were changed and not for the good. It was like the old science fiction movie - Invasion of the Body Snatchers - they looked the same but they were different. I will be watching.

Expand full comment
Augustin's avatar

If you believe he was favorably received by the left, you should read the comments!

Expand full comment
Paul Perrone's avatar

I'm not concerned if Aaron is favorably received by the Left. My concern is that he will be seduced by the Left, the same way those Colonels were seduced.

Expand full comment
Mr Black Fox's avatar

Great profile!

Expand full comment
Jason Jewell's avatar

This was a surprisingly favorable piece, Aaron. Congrats on this achievement.

Expand full comment
Jared Penner's avatar

The intellectual bravery and consistent effort that led you to this point is inspiring

Expand full comment
Gordzilla's avatar

Congratulations Aaron. This is inspiring.

Expand full comment
Dlk's avatar

Congratulations, Aaron! It’s great to see this recognition. Judging from the 500+ NYT online comments, the average Times reader perceives himself to be in a superior position to assess and critique the tenants of Christianity than someone who actually professes and attempts to walk in the Christian faith. If there is any question whether or not we are living in a negative world, they have removed all doubt. Keep the faith, Aaron! May the Lord bless you and keep you.

Expand full comment
Aaron M. Renn's avatar

Hah! Well, I get to give my opinion, then they get to give theirs.

Expand full comment
Scott's avatar

I saw this today on my perusal of regime media. Congratulations, Aaron!

Expand full comment
Brandon Joa, MD's avatar

Congratulations, great news for you and the Church in America! maybe “mild-mannered” refers to that well-balanced style that’s a rare model for gracious speech and writing nowadays. sympathetic objectivity, like in a recent podcast!

Expand full comment
Spouting Thomas's avatar

Aaron, sincere congrats. Happy for you.

I know you've worked hard at threading a certain needle of being authentically and uncompromisingly of the right while not crossing certain lines or making certain associations that would render you untouchable to a wider audience. And this comes across as a fruit of that labor: as open-minded a profile before a hostile audience as we could have hoped for.

Expand full comment
C. R. Wiley's avatar

Glad to hear, Aaron.

Expand full comment
Douglas Coombs's avatar

I'm really glad that you are getting this recognition. I've been a grateful supporter and eager reader/sharer since Rod Dreher pointed you out and you later made the transition to full-time commentary. I've shared several of your dating advice columns with my boys as they come of age and have studied your three worlds theory with my men's group. Even your city layout and structure articles are interesting to a nerd like me.

Expand full comment
Aaron M. Renn's avatar

Thanks!

Expand full comment
Stephen Hoffmann's avatar

Great to hear, Aaron! (I would worry less about being labeled “mild-mannered” than about being identified as a “consultant.” As I recall, the late, great political satirist Mark Russell defined a consultant as someone who is an expert on dating but doesn’t know any women!)

Expand full comment
Henry's avatar

Congrats Aaron. Whoever thinks you are mild mannered can view your recent post on Wheaton College.

Expand full comment