The Judeo-Christian tradition offers values such as human dignity, equality, and compassion that align with moral convictions.
Christianity has evolved beyond dogmatism to value compassion and humility, making it superior to atheism and other theocratic systems.
Values and principles like human rights and dignity are rooted in the Judeo-Christian tradition, while secular humanism fails to provide a foundation for these values.
Deep dives
The Journey Towards Christian Faith of Iron Hersey Ali
Iron Hersey Ali, a former Muslim and advocate of new atheism, has recently written an article titled 'Why I Am Now a Christian.' She highlights the need to compare different concepts of God and the stories humanity has told about the transcendent. Rather than debating the existence of God, Iron Hersey Ali argues that the focus should be on which God best aligns with our moral convictions. She finds that the Judeo-Christian tradition offers values such as human dignity, equality, and compassion that she aspires to and lives by. Iron Hersey Ali acknowledges that she may not fully understand Christianity yet, but she attends church regularly and embraces the possibility of embracing Jesus. She also emphasizes the importance of preserving and nurturing the seeds of Western civilization that Christianity has contributed to.
The Roots and Fruits of Christianity in Western Civilization
Iron Hersey Ali points out the need to recognize the Judeo-Christian tradition as the root of Western civilization's values, human rights, and moral convictions. She highlights how Christianity has outgrown its dogmatic stage and evolved to value compassion and humility. Rejecting atheism and other theocratic systems, Iron Hersey Ali finds the Judeo-Christian tradition as superior in upholding human dignity, freedom, and equality. She credits the Bible and the teachings of Jesus for the development of science, reason, and institutions that protect and order human life. Iron Hersey Ali also suggests that morality and ethics, which are found in Western civilization, cannot be explained by atheism or other religious frameworks.
The Importance of Recognizing the Transcendent in Western Civilization
Iron Hersey Ali identifies the transcendent as a crucial aspect of Western civilization and believes that Western democracy and freedoms are deeply rooted in Christianity. She argues against debating the existence of God but instead urges a comparison of the transcendent concepts humanity has developed. Iron Hersey Ali emphasizes that values and principles such as human rights, compassion, and dignity exist because of the Judeo-Christian tradition. She recognizes that secular humanism fails to offer a foundation for these values, whereas Christianity provides a source for human worth and dignity. Iron Hersey Ali calls for the preservation and nourishment of the seeds of Western civilization found in libraries, wise individuals, and the remnants of symbols and statues.
A Journey from Atheism to Embracing Christianity
Iron Hersey Ali shares her personal journey of rejecting her upbringing in Islam and atheism to embracing Christianity. She critiques the new atheism movement and its focus on debating the existence of God rather than exploring the different religious stories and concepts of the transcendent. Iron Hersey Ali acknowledges her rebellion against a religious view rooted in fear and extremism. She emphasizes that her belief in Christianity is not purely based on geopolitics or preservation of civilizational values but also stems from a need for spiritual solace and a search for meaning and purpose in life. She acknowledges that she still has much to learn about Christianity but finds value in attending church and the process of discovery.
The Need for Recognition of the True Source of Values in Western Civilization
Iron Hersey Ali emphasizes the importance of recognizing the true source of the values and principles upheld in Western civilization. She challenges the idea that returning to classical liberalism or the Enlightenment alone can preserve these values. Instead, she argues that Christianity, specifically the teachings of Jesus Christ, forms the bedrock of Western values such as human dignity, equality, and justice. Iron Hersey Ali highlights the need to move beyond abstract debates about God's existence and focus on understanding the roots of these values in Christianity. She encourages individuals to embrace and defend this Christian heritage while acknowledging that personal beliefs and understanding may evolve over time.
Glen Scrivener reacts to Ayaan Hirsi Ali’s Unherd article, 'Why I am now a Christian' and her panel discussion at the ARC conference. What do these tell us about our current cultural moment, the validity of Tom Holland's Dominion thesis and the roots of the values we prize?
Subscribe to the Speak Life YouTube channel for videos which see all of life with Jesus at the centre: youtube.com/SpeakLifeMedia
Subscribe to the Reformed Mythologist YouTube channel to explore how the stories we love point to the greatest story of all: youtube.com/@ReformedMythologist
Discord is an online platform where you can interact with the Speak Life team and other Speak Life supporters. There’s bonus content, creative/theological discussion and lots of fun. Join our Discord here: speaklife.org.uk/give
Contact the show: info@speaklife.org.uk
Speak Life is a UK based charity that resources the church to reach the world. Learn more about us here: speaklife.org.uk
