CC098: Why Science & Secularism Come From Christianity
Jan 19, 2021
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In this podcast, Tom Holland, author of "Dominion: How the Christian Revolution Remade the World," discusses the Christian origins of science, secularism, and liberalism. He shares his personal journey from losing faith to rediscovering Christianity and explores the unique aspects of the Christian story that are now taken for granted in the Western world. The podcast also features a lighthearted discussion about favorite dinosaurs and a sauropod bone marrow found in Wyoming.
Christianity has shaped science, secularism, liberalism, and other Western ideals.
The portrayal of Jesus in the gospels offers a profound understanding of his person and message.
By embracing the uniqueness of Christianity, Christians can address the deeper questions and mysteries of life and suffering.
Deep dives
Dominion by Tom Holland: Exploring the Connection Between Christianity and Western Values
In this podcast episode, author Tom Holland discusses his book 'Dominion' which argues that Christianity is the backbone of Western values. He explains that Christianity has shaped science, secularism, liberalism, and other Western ideals. Holland reflects on his personal journey of faith and shares how he went from rejecting Christianity to recognizing its influence on his values and morals. He emphasizes the weirdness and strangeness of Christianity, urging Christians to highlight the distinctive aspects of their faith in a secular society. Holland also explores the role of Christianity in providing explanations for values and assumptions that secular liberalism cannot fully account for. Overall, the episode delves into the profound impact of Christianity on Western culture and its continuing relevance in understanding the world's experiences of suffering.
The Power of the Gospels: Understanding the Figure of Jesus
According to Tom Holland, the portrayal of Jesus in the gospels is a remarkable literary achievement that presents a convincing yet enigmatic depiction of a man who is also divine. The gospels capture the strange and haunting qualities of Jesus' story, resonating with readers even if they may not fully embrace the Christian faith. Holland acknowledges the limitations of historical evidence concerning the relationship between the gospels and the historical Jesus but contends that regardless of the historical accuracy, the gospels' portrayal of Jesus provides a profound understanding of his person and message.
Emphasizing the Weirdness: Navigating Christianity in a Secular Society
In a secular society saturated with Christian values, Tom Holland suggests that Christians should emphasize the unique and unconventional aspects of Christianity. He advises Christians not to conform to skepticism or diluted versions of their faith but to highlight the strangeness inherent in Christian teachings. Holland contends that the Christian narrative, which encompasses supernatural elements, offers explanations and perspectives that secular liberalism cannot provide. By embracing the uniqueness of Christianity, Christians can address the deeper questions and mysteries of life and suffering.
The Role of Christianity in Times of Suffering
Tom Holland reflects on the significance of Christianity during times of crisis, such as the current pandemic. He emphasizes that Christian teachings provide a perspective on suffering and death that goes beyond the rational and scientific approach. Holland suggests that Christians should articulate the cosmic drama inherent in the Christian faith, recognizing the interconnectedness of human history, suffering, and God's redemptive plan. In a world seeking ultimate meaning in the face of uncertainty and suffering, the role of the church is to demonstrate the profound and transformative power of the Christian narrative.
Engaging Secular Friends in Europe: Emphasizing Radical Christian Perspectives
Tom Holland suggests that Christians in Europe should highlight the radical, counter-cultural perspectives within Christianity when engaging with secular friends. Rather than trying to conform to secular ideals, Christians can communicate the distinctiveness of their faith by emphasizing teachings that challenge and inspire. Holland urges Christians not to shrink from the weirdness of Christian doctrines, but to embrace and articulate them as sources of hope, redemption, and purpose in a complex and secularized culture.
In this interview, I chat with author Tom Holland about his book "Dominion: How the Christian Revolution Remade the World." In it, he argues that our morals and ethics are not universal but are instead the fruits of a very distinctive civilization. Concepts such as secularism, liberalism, science, and homosexuality are deeply rooted in a Christian seedbed.
Link to the YouTube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lehk-ZSsbpI
Our Website: www.capturingchristianity.com
Our Patreon: www.patreon.com/capturingchristianity
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