The Holy Post 578: How America Got Mean & Why We Misread the Bible with John Walton
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Aug 16, 2023 Expert on religious and educational structures, John Walton, discusses the decline of moral formation in American society. The hosts debate the interpretation of the Second Commandment regarding images of God. Dr. Walton also shares insights on biblical interpretation and the crisis of biblical illiteracy. Snakes falling from the sky in Texas is a bizarre news story discussed in this episode.
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Snake Falls From The Sky
- Peggy Jones was mowing when a snake fell from the sky and wrapped around her arm while a hawk tried to snatch it.
- A 15-second struggle left her injured and screaming "Help me Jesus," illustrating unexpected physical dangers in everyday life.
Moral Formation Declined Post‑WWII
- David Brooks argues America got mean because moral formation eroded after WWII as education and institutions deprioritized virtue.
- The shift favored individualistic, therapeutic models over communal moral training, weakening civic kindness.
Consumerism Amplified Moral Shift
- Skye adds that the rise of consumerism and the switch from manufacturing to a consumption economy reinforced self‑actualization over communal virtues.
- Economic incentives promoted desire and individual fulfillment, undermining humility and self‑sacrifice.