Walnut Grove and Walton's Mountain Would Reject Today's "Culture Wars"

In today's sharply divided culture, The Waltons and Little House on the Prairie occupy a unique space, transcending the current battle lines. These shows, born in the 1970s, reflect a vastly different era.

Revisiting them as a middle-aged viewer, it's impossible to ignore the context of their time.  The 1970s offered limited television options, and the shows' creators were products of the World War II generation - a generation then in its middle age.

Looking back, The Waltons can be seen as a portrayal of mountain folk with a deep faith, yet distinct from the radicalism that sometimes can be associated with Christianity. Little House, meanwhile, explored the universal experience of navigating life's inevitable changes in a similar way.

The faith woven into these narratives is a practical one, born of necessity in challenging times. It provided structure, community, and moral boundaries. It was the foundation upon which communities were built, and the reason wrongdoers were ostracized or, in John-boy's hopeful vision, redeemed.  Without this faith, the vulnerable risked losing everything to exploitation and injustice.

This shared faith likely contributed to the enduring bonds formed between the casts of these shows, a connection that has lasted for 50 years—a testament to their impact that many other shows of the era did not replicate.

However, the faith depicted in these programs stands in stark contrast to the discourse prevalent on today's social media platforms. The vitriol and divisiveness found on X, Facebook, Instagram, and elsewhere were utterly rejected by the inhabitants of Walton's Mountain and Walnut Grove.

My hope for the latest Little House reboot is that it offers a refuge from the toxic environment of modern media. That it transports us not just to poverty in the late 19th century or the Great Depression, but to a time and place where family and friends, despite their conflicts, loved fiercely and gave unconditionally to one another.

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Related Episodes on The Waltons and Little House on the Prairie deal with destructive (toxic) faith. Missed in the news of a Little House reboot was The Waltons popping up on Peacock. Both shows can now be watched there.

The Waltons – Season 1, Episode 7 "The Sinner"

Reverend Matthew Fordwick, played by John Ritter, visits Walton's Mountain. Fordwick is young and inexperienced, and his heavy-handed messages have unintended consequences. 

The Waltons – Season 1, Episode 16 "The Fire"

The fire is set by Lutie Bascomb, Lois May's father, who is often intoxicated and acts out due to his extreme religious beliefs (in this case, rejecting the teaching of Evolution). Lutie dies in his own fire.

Little House on the Prairie - Season 3, Episode 1 "The Collection"

Caleb Hodgekiss (Johnny Cash) and his wife (June Carter Cash) pretend to be a couple on a mission of mercy. Caleb is a con man who poses as a minister to take advantage of the people of Walnut Grove. 

Little House on the Prairie - Season 6, Episode 10 "The Faith Healer"

A charismatic preacher who comes to Walnut Grove claiming to have divine healing powers. While some residents are drawn to his apparent miracles, others, like Dr. Baker, are skeptical. The episode explores the dangers of blind faith and the potential for charlatans to exploit vulnerable people.