Paul Kingsnorth, an author and speaker known for his critical take on Western civilization, dives deep into the tensions between Christianity and culture. He challenges the notion of using faith as a mere tool for cultural preservation, questioning if Western civilization is still salvageable. Kingsnorth also explores the contradictions of living Christian values in a materialistic society, while advocating for a return to foundational storytelling to rekindle civilizational identity. He critically examines the implications of Western culture on a global scale, urging a reevaluation of modern values.
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Civilizational Christianity
Some Christians view Christianity as a tool to preserve Western culture.
Paul Kingsnorth critiques this, arguing that Christianity shouldn't be used for cultural preservation, but spiritual transformation.
insights INSIGHT
Two Jerusalems
Jonathan Pageau agrees with Kingsnorth's critique of civilizational Christianity, but sees two possible outcomes.
He points to the beast/whore and the heavenly Jerusalem in Revelation as two potential downstream manifestations of Christ.
insights INSIGHT
Worldly Tension
Kingsnorth emphasizes the tension between a Christian life and modern civilization.
He highlights the Gospel's call to be separate from worldly values.
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This novel is a retelling of the ancient myth of Cupid and Psyche, narrated by Orual, the ugly and bitter older sister of the beautiful Psyche. Orual's story is a complex exploration of envy, betrayal, loss, and the journey towards self-awareness and redemption. The book delves into Orual's life as she grapples with her love for Psyche, her anger towards the gods, and her eventual realization of her own flaws and the true nature of her feelings. The narrative is divided into two parts, reflecting Orual's transformation from a state of bitterness and self-deception to one of understanding and mercy[2][4][5].
Paul Kingsnorth gave a provocative talk for First Things' Erasmus Lecture of 2024, titled "Against Christian Civilization". In this episode, we discuss the essence of his argument, delving into the fundamental tensions between Christianity and civilization. How does faith interact with culture? What is the Biblical narrative around cities and governance? Are we misusing Christianity as a tool for cultural preservation over pursuing true spiritual transformation? Is Western Civilization as we know it even salvable at this point?
-Paul Kingsnorth’s First Things talk: "Against Christian Civilization" | 2024 Erasmus Lecture: https://www.youtube.com/live/Y3hMSZqatHI?si=bmT1rqPyEF-LvR0_ -Written article version of his talk: Against Christian Civilization, January 2025: https://www.firstthings.com/article/2025/01/against-christian-civilization
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==========TIMESTAMPS========== 00:00 - Coming up 01:31 - Intro music 01:56 - Introduction 03:02 - The essence of Paul's talk 07:13 - Civilization and Revelation 12:02 - A Christian's challenge 16:45 - The Biblical vision 31:13 - What about the rulers? 37:01 - Buildings 42:10 - Brands and idols 47:27 - The seed and the fruit 49:24 - Celebrating stories
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