Christians Trapped in Negative World | Guest: Aaron Renn | 3/1/24
Mar 1, 2024
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Exploring the shift in America from a Christian nation to an anti-Christian culture, discussing challenges faced by Christians. Delving into the evolution of American identity, elite culture, and leadership changes. Navigating ideological society, promoting 'Life in the Negative World' book, and addressing power centralization and masculinity in Christianity.
Shift from positive to negative world view towards Christianity in America
Utilization of culture war, seeker sensitivity, and cultural engagement by Evangelical Christianity to address societal changes
Need for meaningful, high-trust communities in a low-trust society for long-term societal resilience
Deep dives
Transition of American Values
American culture has shifted towards hostility to Christianity, moving from a positive to a negative world view. The decline of Christianity in America is divided into the positive world (1964-1994), neutral world (1994-2014), and negative world (2014-present). In the negative world, Christianity is viewed negatively by official elite culture, and being a Bible-believing Christian can hinder job prospects.
Strategies of Evangelical Christianity
Evangelical Christianity has utilized strategies like culture war, seeker sensitivity, and cultural engagement to address societal changes. Culture war, led by figures like Jerry Falwell, focused on moral majority principles in the late 1970s. Seeker sensitivity, popularized by Bill Hybels and Rick Warren, aimed to attract attendees through contemporary approaches. Cultural engagement, led by Tim Keller, targeted urbanites with a dialogue-based approach in the 1990s.
Challenges for American Elites and Christian Community
The collapse of the old wasp establishment in the 1960s reshaped America's leadership culture. The rise of managerialism has disrupted societal trust and undermined traditional norms. Christians face the dilemma of engaging with deteriorating institutions or forming new communities that emphasize distinct values and trust-building. The need for meaningful, high-trust communities in a low-trust society is crucial for long-term societal resilience.
Challenges of Shifting from Boomer Eschatology to Adopting a Minority Position
Many people struggle to shift away from the mindset of boomer eschatology, which equated America and Christianity. The belief was that America and Christianity would always be intertwined. It's challenging to move past this mindset when it comes to protecting institutions and embracing a minority position. The shift in demographics from Protestant majority to a minority can be embittering as it requires adapting to a new reality.
Transition Towards Re-Enchantment and New Age Spirituality
The podcast discusses the concept of re-enchantment and the shift away from hyper-rational ideologies towards a more mystical approach found in Eastern Orthodox Christianity. The rising interest in new age spirituality, psychedelic experiences, and mystical elements of faith are explored. The example of Jordan Peterson's appeal in presenting religious themes in a compelling way is highlighted, reflecting a growing hunger for spiritual connection and re-enchantment in modern society.
How did America transition from a nation founded on Christianity to one that is hostile to it? Aaron Renn, author of "Life in the Negative World," joins me to discuss how Christians should confront the challenges of an anti-Christian culture.