Episode 1.10: Disenchanted Christianity, Anti-intellectualism, Fragmentation, and the Unbaptized Imagination

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In 'A Secular Age', Charles Taylor explores the transformation of Western society from a pre-modern world where belief in God was inescapable to a modern secular age where believing in God is just one option among many. Taylor argues against the 'subtraction story' of secularization, which posits that religion has been removed from society. Instead, he describes a complex historical process involving the Reform movement in Christianity, the rise of disciplinary society, and the emergence of exclusive humanism. The book examines how these changes have affected the conditions of belief and unbelief, and how they have shaped modern social forms, moral orders, and spiritual experiences.

The story, narrated largely through the perspective of Mr. Gabriel John Utterson, a London lawyer, revolves around the mysterious and sinister figure of Mr. Edward Hyde and his connection to the respectable Dr. Henry Jekyll. As the narrative unfolds, it reveals Jekyll's secret: he has created a potion that allows him to transform into the evil Mr. Hyde, embodying his repressed desires and darker impulses. The novella delves into themes of dual identity, the struggle between good and evil, and the social hypocrisy of Victorian society.

Written in Latin between AD 397 and 400, 'Confessions' is a blend of autobiography, philosophy, theology, and critical exegesis of the Christian Bible. The first nine books are autobiographical, tracing Augustine's life from his birth to his conversion to Catholicism. He recounts his sinful youth, his involvement with Manicheism and Neoplatonism, and his eventual conversion in a Milanese garden. The last four books focus on philosophical and theological issues, including memory, time, eternity, and the interpretation of the Book of Genesis. The work is structured as a series of prayers to God, reflecting Augustine's journey of redemption and his understanding of God's grace and providence.

Cultural Apologetics: Renewing the Christian Voice, Conscience, and Imagination in a Disenchanted World, by Paul M. Gould, argues that apologetics must recover its rich heritage by attending to the heart and imagination, not just the mind. Cultural Apologetics maps a strategy for engaging a disenchanted world with the Christian story by (1) recovering the Christian voice, (2) cultivating the Christian conscience, and (3) awakening the Christian imagination. Only then, Gould suggests, will Christians be able to offer a winsome and compelling vision for life in the twenty-first century.

In 'The Problem of Pain', C.S. Lewis addresses the age-old question of how a good and all-powerful God can permit pain and suffering. Lewis argues that human suffering is a consequence of the existence of evil and free will, and that God uses suffering as a tool to draw us nearer to Him. He categorizes pain as both physical and emotional, serving as a warning signal that alerts us to potential harm and compels us to make necessary changes. Lewis also discusses the Fall of Man and how it led to chaos and disaster, emphasizing that God's goodness is not negated by suffering but rather evidenced through His merciful intervention. The book concludes by reassuring that God's wisdom is infinitely superior to ours and that pain eventually leads us back to a loving relationship with our Creator.

"Phantastes" by George MacDonald is a Victorian-era fairy tale that follows Anodos, a young man who journeys into a mystical realm filled with allegorical landscapes and encounters. The story explores themes of self-discovery, spiritual awakening, and the battle between good and evil. Anodos undergoes a series of transformative experiences that challenge his perceptions and force him to confront his inner demons. MacDonald's rich symbolism and dreamlike prose create a landscape where the boundaries between reality and imagination blur. Through Anodos's journey, the novel explores the importance of embracing beauty, confronting darkness, and seeking a deeper understanding of oneself and the world.