Masculinity, Negative World, and the Future of Evangelicalism (Interview with Aaron Renn)
Apr 16, 2024
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Author Aaron Renn discusses the shift towards a negative worldview in Evangelicalism and how influential figures like Jordan Peterson and Jocko Willink attract Christian young men. They explore the fracture within Evangelicalism due to modern politics and the challenges of adapting to a more hostile world. The conversation also delves into the importance of excellence, ownership, and truth for Evangelicals, as well as the evolving roles of pastors and opportunities for the Church in addressing societal challenges.
Christian young men gravitate towards figures like Jordan Peterson and Jocko Willink for guidance and insight.
Evangelicalism has shifted from a 'neutral world' to a 'negative world', leading to internal fractures and the need for adaptation.
Amid challenges in the negative world, evangelicals are urged to find new opportunities and adapt to societal shifts.
Deep dives
The Attraction of Figures Like Jordan Peterson and Jocko Willink for Christian Young Men
Many Christian young men are drawn to figures like Jordan Peterson and Jocko Willink due to the challenges they face in making sense of their lives. These figures provide insights and perspectives that resonate with these individuals, offering guidance and a sense of direction in navigating modern complexities and uncertainties.
Shift from Neutral to Negative World in Evangelicalism
The shift in evangelicalism from a neutral world where Christianity was just one choice among many to a negative world where Christianity is met with hostility has significantly impacted the conservative evangelical movement. This transition has led to fractures within the movement and a need for adaptation in the face of new challenges.
Challenges and Opportunities in the Negative World for Evangelicals
The negative world poses significant challenges for evangelicals, with Christianity being openly criticized and viewed negatively in public spheres. Evangelicals are urged to adjust to their minority position in society and reconsider traditional approaches. Despite the challenges, there are also opportunities for evangelicals to find new avenues for engagement and growth in navigating the complexities of modern-day politics and cultural shifts.
Fracturing of Evangelical World
The podcast highlights the fracturing of the evangelical world caused by the emergence of new factions like the new Calvinists, neo-Anabaptists, new monastic movement, and progressive evangelicalism. Vermeulen's perspective on new Calvinism reveals how these factions compete for influence within evangelicalism. The evangelical landscape is shown to be diverse, with various groups vying for control over doctrinal narratives.
Lessons from Catholicism for Evangelicals
Drawing insights from early 20th-century Catholicism, the podcast explores lessons that evangelicals can learn. The Catholic example of building infrastructure like schools, universities, and fraternal societies to sustain their beliefs is presented as a model for fostering intellectualism. The importance of nurturing and supporting intellectuals within the faith community is emphasized as a potential area for improvement within evangelicalism.
If you’ve noticed a shift in Evangelicalism over the past five years you’re not alone. Aaron Renn, host of the Aaron Renn Show, joins us to talk about his book Life in the Negative World: Confronting Challenges in an Anti-Christian Culture. We talk about the why figures like Jordan Peterson and Jocko Willink draw the attention of many Christian young men struggling to make sense of their lives.
We also discuss the shift from “neutral world” in which Christianity serves as one religious option among many to the more hostile “negative world” as well as ways this shift fractured and split the modern conservative Evangelical movement. Finally, we talk about ways Evangelicals can not only adapt to negative world, but also take advantage of new opportunities while navigating the difficult waters of modern politics.
Get Aaron’s Book Life in the Negative World: Confronting Challenges in an Anti-Christian Culture: https://a.co/d/eXowOid