Deaths on January 9

W. Cleon Skousen, American author and academic (b. 1913)

Willard Cleon Skousen (January 20, 1913 – January 9, 2006) was a prominent American figure, widely recognized as a conservative author, prolific lecturer, and a distinctive faith-based political theorist whose ideas profoundly influenced various segments of American thought. Born in Raymond, Alberta, Canada, but spending most of his life in the United States, Skousen's extensive career and intellectual output spanned decades, making him a significant voice in post-war American conservatism.

Skousen's professional background was diverse and contributed significantly to his unique worldview. He served as an agent for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) from 1935 to 1951, working under J. Edgar Hoover. This experience, particularly his exposure to Cold War-era intelligence and counter-intelligence efforts, heavily informed his fervent anti-communist stance. Later, he pursued an academic career, holding positions at Brigham Young University (BYU) and serving as the Chief of Police in Salt Lake City, Utah, from 1960 to 1962. His academic work often focused on constitutional law and American history, viewed through a lens deeply rooted in his religious convictions as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS).

Core Ideologies and Affiliations

A staunch advocate against totalitarian ideologies, Skousen emerged as a leading voice in the anti-communist movement during the Cold War. He articulated detailed critiques of communist theory and practice, arguing that it represented a grave threat to individual liberty, religious freedom, and democratic institutions. His analysis often emphasized what he perceived as the inherent moral and spiritual deficiencies of communism.

Skousen was also a notable supporter of the John Birch Society, a conservative political advocacy group known for its strong anti-communist views and its warnings against perceived government overreach and globalist agendas. His alignment with the JBS underscored his commitment to constitutional principles and his belief in a conspiracy-driven struggle against forces he believed sought to undermine American sovereignty and traditional values.

Central to Skousen's political theory was his faith. As a devout Latter-day Saint, he believed that American foundational principles, particularly those enshrined in the U.S. Constitution, were divinely inspired. This conviction led him to interpret historical and political events through a spiritual lens, emphasizing moral responsibility, limited government, and adherence to Judeo-Christian ethics as essential for societal well-being.

Diverse Range of Subjects Explored

Skousen’s intellectual curiosity and extensive writings covered an remarkably wide spectrum of subjects, reflecting his holistic approach to societal issues:

• The Six-Day War: He analyzed this pivotal 1967 conflict in the Middle East, often framing it within broader geopolitical and, at times, prophetic contexts, consistent with his faith-based worldview.
• Mormon Eschatology: Drawing heavily on his LDS faith, Skousen delved into the theological doctrines concerning the end times and the future of humanity, integrating these spiritual insights into his understanding of world events and political trends.
• New World Order Conspiracies: A recurring theme in his work involved explorations of various New World Order theories, often positing that powerful, secretive groups were working to establish a global totalitarian government. These theories resonated with his anti-communist and anti-globalist sentiments.
• Parenting: Shifting from geopolitics and conspiracy, Skousen also addressed practical societal concerns, including parenting. His works on this subject typically emphasized traditional values, moral instruction, and instilling a strong sense of responsibility in children, aligning with his conservative social principles.

Seminal Works and Enduring Influence

Among his voluminous literary output, two books stand out as his most popular and enduring works:

• The Naked Communist (1958): This highly influential book served as a foundational text for many anti-communist activists during the Cold War. It meticulously detailed the history, ideology, and alleged strategies of the communist movement, aiming to expose what Skousen viewed as its deceptive nature and destructive goals. The book's direct and accessible style made it a widely read resource for those seeking to understand and combat communist influence.
• The Five Thousand Year Leap: A Miracle That Changed the World (1981): Published much later, this work presents Skousen's interpretation of the foundational principles of the U.S. Constitution. He identifies what he termed "28 great ideas" or "fundamental principles of good government" that he believed characterized the American founding, arguing that these principles represented an unprecedented leap forward in human governance over 5,000 years of recorded history. The book advocates for a return to these original constitutional ideals to address contemporary societal challenges. It has become a significant text for many constitutional conservatives and liberty-minded groups.

Skousen's influence extended beyond his publications. Through his lectures, seminars, and various organizations (like the Freemen Institute, later the National Center for Constitutional Studies), he cultivated a following that championed his unique blend of constitutionalism, anti-communism, and faith-based principles. His ideas continue to be discussed and debated within conservative circles, particularly among those interested in American exceptionalism, constitutional originalism, and the historical intersection of faith and governance.

Frequently Asked Questions About W. Cleon Skousen

Who was W. Cleon Skousen?

Willard Cleon Skousen was an American conservative author, lecturer, and political theorist (1913-2006). He was known for his strong anti-communist views, his support for the John Birch Society, and his unique faith-based interpretation of American constitutional principles, significantly influenced by his Latter-day Saint beliefs.

What were W. Cleon Skousen's most famous books?

His two most popular and influential works are The Naked Communist (1958), which exposed what he saw as the threats of communism, and The Five Thousand Year Leap (1981), which detailed 28 principles he believed were essential to the success of the U.S. Constitution and American governance.

How did Skousen's faith influence his political theories?

As a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Skousen believed that the U.S. Constitution was divinely inspired. This conviction deeply informed his advocacy for limited government, individual liberty, and moral responsibility, connecting his political and historical analyses to spiritual and ethical foundations.

What subjects did W. Cleon Skousen write about?

Skousen's writings covered a broad spectrum, including detailed analyses of the Six-Day War, expositions on Mormon eschatology, explorations of New World Order conspiracies, and practical guidance on parenting, reflecting his wide-ranging interests from geopolitics to family values.