The Rise of Social Justice Ideology (with Neil Shenvi and Pat Sawyer)
Nov 9, 2023
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Authors Neil Shenvi and Pat Sawyer discuss the rise of social justice ideology, its impact on culture, and its influence in fields such as critical race theory and queer theory. They delve into topics including the concept of critical race theory, the influence of critical theory on culture and the church, and the Christian approach to identity and intersectionality. They also explore the compatibility of Christianity and critical race theory and discuss the importance of unity, love, and justice in the face of social justice ideologies.
Critical theory argues that racism is embedded in systems and structures of society, going beyond individual acts of prejudice.
Critical theory emphasizes the importance of lived experience for marginalized groups, providing unique insights into inequities and social injustices.
Critical theory recognizes the dominance of certain social groups and their power to shape societal norms, highlighting the imposition of perspectives and ideologies on others.
Deep dives
Racism is pervasive and concealed through ideas like colorblindness
Critical theory argues that racism goes beyond individual acts of prejudice, it is deeply embedded in systems and structures of society. Ideas like colorblindness or meritocracy can hide the existence and impact of racism.
Lived experience provides insight into oppression
Critical theory emphasizes the importance of lived experience, particularly for marginalized groups. It suggests that those who have experienced oppression have unique insight into inequities and social injustices.
Hegemonic power shapes societal norms and values
Critical theory recognizes the dominance of certain social groups and the power they have to shape societal norms and values. It highlights how those in power can impose their perspectives and ideologies on others.
Social justice seeks to dismantle oppressive systems
Critical theory advocates for social justice, aiming to dismantle systems and structures that perpetuate oppression. It strives for a society where power is shared equally among different groups.
Christian Identity and Critical Theory
Critical theory offers an easy way for individuals to justify themselves and fulfill their need for righteousness. By engaging in behaviors aligned with critical theory, such as tweeting the right things or attending the right rallies, people feel they are on the right side of history. However, Christianity offers a different perspective, acknowledging that individuals are inherently flawed and in need of God's mercy and forgiveness. Christianity points to the need to appeal to God's cleansing and righteousness through Christ, rather than relying on self-justification through critical theory.
Evaluating Hegemony and Dominant Dynamics
Critical theory often criticizes hegemonic norms and dominant dynamics, assuming that they need to be changed because they exclude certain groups or benefit the privileged. However, Christians should evaluate hegemonic perspectives by examining the moral foundation that underlies them. For instance, the belief in marriage between one man and one woman is classified as a hegemonic dynamic. Christians should examine the moral foundation of this belief and assert that it aligns with biblical righteousness. Additionally, Christians should recognize that hegemonic norms may not be exclusive to one particular group, challenging the notion that certain dynamics are connected exclusively to whites or any other specific group.
Where Are Critical Theory and the Social Justice Movement Taking Us? Sean shares a bonus episode on critical theory where its expression in fields such as critical race theory, critical pedagogy, and queer theory are having a profound impact on our culture. Contemporary critical theory’s ideas about race, class, gender, identity, and justice have dramatically shaped how people think, act, and view one another—in Christian and secular spheres alike. Authors Neil Shenvi and Pat Sawyer illuminate the origins and influences of contemporary critical theory, considering it in the light of clear reason and biblical orthodoxy.
Think Biblically: Conversations on Faith and Culture is a podcast from Talbot School of Theology at Biola University, which offers degrees both online and on campus in Southern California.
To submit comments, ask questions, or make suggestions on issues you'd like us to cover or guests you'd like us to have on the podcast, email us at thinkbiblically@biola.edu.
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