ABSTRACT
This chapter explores that the failure of liberals to challenge the conservative Christian production of ideology is not arbitrary, but is an intrinsic effect of the way in which certain forms of contemporary liberal rhetoric functions. In particular, the use of a key rhetorical device contemporary liberals often employ, which calls a "liberal enthymeme", fundamentally prevents liberals who use it from challenging conservative ideology, and, as a result, indirectly facilitates the conservative production of ideology. It begins by briefly discussing the empty nature of liberal terms such as "harm", as well as the way in which these terms are "loaded" by various parties. It then discusses the uses of enthymemes, necessary enthymemes, and liberal enthymemes; a liberal enthymeme is the specific rhetorical device liberals use to "load" empty terms with their own favored, counter-hegemonic content. Finally, it concludes the use of liberal enthymemes and their rhetorical effects in two books one on abortion and another on gay rights.
