Paul VanderKlay's Podcast The Success of Bonhoeffer's Religion-less Religion in the Post-War Consensus in America and the CRC
Jun 10, 2025
R.R. Reno, an American theologian and editor of First Things, teams up with cultural critic Damien Walter, known for his insights on sci-fi and culture. They dive into how post-war ideologies were shaped by historical trauma, notably WWII. The discussion touches on Star Trek's role as cultural propaganda and critiques America’s moral landscape shifts post-war. They also explore modernization within the Christian Reformed Church, addressing tensions of tradition versus contemporary faith, and reflect on the church’s journey regarding accountability in the context of its historical challenges.
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Post-War Consensus Dynamics
- The post-war consensus was a societal effort to cool ideological passions after WWII's horrors.
- This consensus emphasized openness and rights but suppressed certain passions while promoting others.
Sacred Post-War Events
- Hiroshima, Nagasaki, and the Holocaust are sacred foundational events of the modern world order.
- Society still lives deeply ingrained by these traumatic human sacrifices and associated narratives.
WWII Replaced Christian Morality
- Western culture replaced Christian moral authority with anti-Nazi morality post-WWII.
- This shift led to a religious-like reverence for WWII narratives instead of traditional faith.
