Pastor C.R. Wiley, a former professor, wants to provide readers with resources to learn more about the history of conservatism

Paul Valencia
ClarkCountyToday.com

C.R. Wiley moved to Battle Ground three years ago and almost immediately knew it was a place to call home.

“One of the things I like about Battle Ground is its character,” Wiley said. “It’s got a really nice family-friendly ethos. It’s one of the things that makes it a desirable place to live.”

A former college professor based in Boston and now a pastor, Wiley does a lot of writing, and he travels often to discuss his conservative views.

“The proximity to Portland is very interesting,” he said. “I tell people where I live, and they say, ‘Oh, you’re that close to Portland?’” 

Wiley explains to them that once out of the city limits of Portland, it is a different world.

“Battle Ground is remarkable in that respect,” he said.

Now, he wants to have discussions on his conservative views in his new hometown. He is starting a book club, which will hold its first meeting at the Battle Ground Community Library on Saturday, April 6.

The Russell Kirk Paleo-Con Book Club will begin at 10 a.m. on April 6, and the first book to be discussed will be “Ideas Have Consequences” by Richard M. Weaver, published in 1948.

Wiley writes on these themes. He is on the editorial board of Touchstone Magazine, and he often contributes op-eds for World Magazine, conservative Christian publications

“What could I do here that would be helpful?” Wiley asked himself.

He came up with the idea for a book club on paleoconservatism.

“We’ve got a lot of great folks. Their instincts are good, their values are great,” he said of the people of Battle Ground. “Maybe I can provide some of the intellectual resources, riches of Western tradition, and make them available to folks who might be interested in learning about this.”

Wiley named the club after Russell Kirk, author of 1953’s “The Conservative Mind.” After talking with colleagues, Wiley opted for Weaver’s book to discuss in that inaugural meeting. Wiley paraphrased Weaver’s own description of the work: Another book about the end of Western Civilization.

“Anybody who would like to join us can. Whoever shows up, we’ll have a nice conversation about the first book we are studying,” Wiley said.

In the future, Wiley said the club might select books such as “Democracy in America” or Orwell’s “Animal Farm.” Wiley said he is open to one day showcasing more modern works. One day.

“But I’d like to take people a little deeper,” he said.

Wiley is a pastor at Westminster Presbyterian Church. Church members worship in Vancouver now, but there are plans to build a church in Battle Ground soon. 

The book club is not limited to those who live in Battle Ground. Wiley also said one does not have to be a conservative to participate. 

“If you are interested in the books or talking about the ideas in the books, you’re welcome,” he said.

“My hope is we can develop a community of people who have an interest in these things, these ideas,” Wiley said.

The challenges our society is facing these days are no surprise to the authors of works published decades ago, he noted.

The themes are important to discuss.

“What is this book about? Why is it important? What are the ideas? What do you think of the ideas? Do you think that’s right? Did it miss the mark? Why? That kind of stuff,” Wiley said.