#293 Michael Jones - Is The West Doomed Without Christianity?
Jan 19, 2024
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Well-known Christian influencer and Youtuber, Michael Jones, discusses the decline of Christianity in the West, the positive impact of the religion on society, the difficulty of forcing belief, the challenges faced by Christians, and the potential consequences of societal divides.
Intrinsic religiosity, where individuals genuinely believe in the core tenets of Christianity, is linked to reduced prejudice, pro-social behavior, and positive personality traits.
Christianity has had a profound impact on society, leading to higher levels of volunteering, charitable work, and care for the environment, along with better mental health outcomes and lower rates of depression, drug abuse, and violence.
Exploring Christianity involves engaging with evidence, research, scholars, and theologians, as well as participating in Bible studies, attending church services, and immersing oneself in the community to deepen understanding and potentially foster an intrinsic orientation toward the faith.
Intrinsic religiosity, rooted in genuine belief in the core tenets of Christianity, is key in reaping the full benefits of the faith, while extrinsic religiosity, based on participation for social reasons, falls short of the deeper benefits.
Deep dives
Benefits of Intrinsic Religiosity
Studies show that the benefits of Christianity and religion are tied to intrinsic religiosity, where individuals genuinely believe in the core tenets of the faith. Merely participating in religious activities without true belief is not as effective in reaping the benefits. Intrinsic religiosity has been linked to reduced prejudice, pro-social behavior, and positive personality traits. It is important to understand that Christianity cannot be treated as a means to an end, such as saving Western civilization. Rather, it should be lived out authentically with a focus on the core beliefs and teachings.
Influence of Religion on Society
Religion, particularly Christianity, has had a profound impact on society throughout history. Research shows that societies with higher religiosity have higher levels of volunteering, charitable work, and care for the environment. Additionally, there is evidence that religious individuals have better mental health outcomes and lower rates of depression, drug abuse, and violence. While some may criticize religion as a crutch or claim that it causes conflict, studies disprove these notions, showing that religion is not the cause of violence and that it provides individuals with purpose, meaning, and community.
Exploring Christianity
For those interested in exploring Christianity further, there are several steps to consider. Engage with the evidence and research surrounding the faith, seeking out scholars and theologians who present positive arguments. Additionally, participate in Bible studies, attend church services, and immerse yourself in the community to experience Christianity firsthand. While belief cannot be forced, taking these steps may help individuals deepen their understanding and potentially foster an intrinsic orientation toward the faith.
The Intrinsic-Extrinsic Religiosity Divide
In sociological terms, religiosity is categorized as either intrinsic or extrinsic. Intrinsic religiosity refers to a deep, genuine belief in the core tenets and teachings of a faith. This type of religiosity is associated with the positive outcomes and benefits discussed earlier. On the other hand, extrinsic religiosity refers to religious participation for cultural or social reasons, without a true intrinsic belief. While extrinsic religiosity may have some social benefits, the deeper benefits are found in the intrinsic aspects. Therefore, fostering an intrinsic orientation toward faith is key in reaping the full benefits of Christianity.
The challenges of being a Christian in the current era
One of the main challenges for Christians in this era is the fear of standing up for their faith and going against societal norms. Many individuals are afraid of being canceled or labeled as racists, bigots, or homophobes for disagreeing with the mainstream narrative. The American Dream and individualism have also affected the Christian culture, shifting the focus from community and gratitude towards wealth-building and personal success. There is a need to strike a balance between liberalism and Christianity, finding ways to preserve Christian principles amidst the liberal society we live in.
The complexity of balancing Christianity and liberalism
Balancing Christianity and liberalism poses challenges, especially in a classically liberal society like the Western countries. The clash between the principles and morality of Christianity with the idea of freedom of speech, for example, highlights the difficulties in finding a middle ground. Religious principles, such as not blaspheming or speaking against revered figures, can conflict with the liberal value of unlimited freedom of expression. It becomes a challenging task for society to navigate these conflicts while preserving freedom of speech and religion without undermining religious principles.
The importance of nurturing different societal institutions
Secular liberalism has led to the neglect of various societal institutions that were once considered important and complementary to one another. The separation of church and state, coupled with the devaluation of institutions like the family and schools, has resulted in a lopsided view of human society. Recognizing the significance of different institutions and promoting their development is crucial. By nurturing and strengthening institutions like the church, family, and schools, a more well-rounded and balanced society can be achieved, creating better environments for individuals to thrive and fostering growth through healthy conflicts and change.
