Canada’s Cowboy Calvinism and the Polyester Gospel
The Republic of the Self-Inflicted Wound
Canada’s politics has always loved its myths. But now? They’re stitched out of cowboy hats, polyester suits, and old-school Calvinism. That’s the story I dig into in my new CounterPunch article on Cowboy Calvinism.
What is “Cowboy Calvinism”?
It’s the gospel of grievance dressed in rodeo drag — a fusion of right-wing populism in Canada, frontier swagger, and religious certainty. Cheap polyester becomes armor, pulpits morph into oil rigs, and sermons get delivered over talk radio instead of church organs.
Why Polyester Matters
The polyester prophet is no accident. Fabric and faith fuse into a performance of “authenticity,” where toughness is stitched in bulk and sold off-the-rack. It’s the political costume of choice for those preaching grievance and moral superiority.
The Cowboy Gospel in Canadian Politics
From pipelines to provincial rights, Cowboy Calvinism fuels Canada’s identity battles. It’s not just theology—it’s a cultural weapon, shaping debates over oil, economics, and who’s really paying the bill.
👉 Dive into the full gonzo take here: Canada’s Cowboy Calvinism and the Polyester Gospel by Troy Nahumko on CounterPunch.
