Room for Nuance The Neil Shenvi Interview
Dec 4, 2025
Neil Shenvi, a Christian apologist and author, shares his faith journey, from a college skeptic to an advocate for apologetics. He discusses critical theory's influence on the church and the importance of understanding its core ideas. Neil emphasizes the need for pastors to engage thoughtfully and patiently with believers influenced by these ideologies. He also critiques both the woke left and right, highlighting the spiritual dangers they pose. The conversation blends serious theological insights with humorous personal anecdotes, making for an engaging dialogue.
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Conversion Through Relationship And Reading
- Neil Shenvi describes arriving at faith through dating an evangelical and reading C.S. Lewis, not through an intellectual conversion moment.
- He recounts being persuaded by witnessing serious, intellectual Christians which challenged his pride and led to genuine commitment.
Discovery Of Critical Theory In An Anthology
- Shenvi recounts reading the anthology Race, Class, and Gender and realizing critical theory was a coherent worldview influencing church and culture.
- That discovery shifted his research toward primary sources like DiAngelo, Kendi, bell hooks, and the Frankfurt School.
Four Pillars That Define Critical Theory
- Neil Shenvi defines critical theory by four pillars: social binary, ideology/hegemony, lived experience, and social justice telos.
- These elements together form a coherent worldview that reshapes institutions and identities, not just jargon.