Progress and Progressivism: How We Got From 1776 to Today
Nov 15, 2023
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In this podcast, the hosts discuss the influence of the founding of America on the present post-Christian world. They explore topics such as slavery, human rights, the civil rights movement, and the sexual revolution. The episode also touches on the concept of progress throughout history, the complexities of conscience, and the decline in church attendance. They conclude by discussing the relationship between Christianity, politics, and the twin pillars of Western civilization.
The founding of America was a post-Christian event, influenced by a fusion of deistic, unitarian, and Protestant Christian ideas.
The civil rights movement and the sexual revolution were separate but interconnected movements, with the former having a strong Christian influence and the latter being a global phenomenon influenced by various factors.
Conscience is a complex and individualistic concept that prompts individuals to live up to their own standards, challenging the idea of a singular moral progress throughout history.
Deep dives
The Christian Influence in the Founding of America
The podcast discusses the founding of America and argues that it was a post-Christian founding. It explores how the fusion of deistic, unitarian, and Protestant Christian ideas shaped the Declaration of Independence. The podcast suggests that the Protestant Reformation played a key role in creating a society that sought a would-be neutral space, leading to the development of a post-Christian America and its influence on the rest of the world. It also highlights the tension between democracy and the desire for stability in the design of the government, which is still relevant in modern times.
The Legacy of Slavery and the Abolitionist Movement
The podcast delves into the civil rights movement and the sexual revolution as separate but interconnected movements. It examines the Christian influence in the civil rights movement, particularly in the context of racial dynamics in the United States. It emphasizes the explicitly Christian nature of the movement and the impact of key figures such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. The podcast also explores the global nature of the sexual revolution and its different causes, discussing the complex intersection of rights, morality, and cultural progress.
The Complexity of Conscience and Progressivism
The podcast tackles the complexity of conscience and how moral standards can vary across different cultures and historical periods. It highlights the role of conscience as an internal prompt to live up to our own standards, rather than an abstract code of laws. The discussion further addresses the tendency to simplify narratives, particularly in the context of civil rights and sexual revolution movements. It emphasizes the need to understand the nuances and conflicts within these movements, challenging the notion of a singular moral progress throughout history.
The Shift in Moral Perspective
The podcast explores the shift in moral perspective throughout history, particularly in the 19th and 20th centuries. It discusses how the belief in progress and a better future shaped people's thinking and fueled philanthropic endeavors. However, World War I and World War II brought a shocking realization of the dark side of technological advancement and progress. The horrors of the wars shattered the narrative of continuous improvement and raised questions about humanity's moral direction.
The Influence of History on Morality
The podcast reflects on how historical events like the French Revolution and the Cold War have shaped our understanding of left and right, progress, and moral reasoning. It highlights how the experiences of fascism and communism influenced the moral compass of Western societies. The conversation also touches on the Christian roots of moral reflection and the importance of a transcendent moral grounding in the midst of shifting cultural values. The discussion concludes with an exploration of the challenges faced in finding a positive account of morality without explicit theism or religious guidance.
How did the founding of America contribute to the post-Christian world we find ourselves in today? Is there something inherently post-Christian baked into the pie from the founding of the nation?
In this episode, Andrew Wilson and Glen Scrivener continue their discussion of how the year 1776 has shaped our world. They trace the story forward to today, as they discuss slavery, human rights, the civil rights movement, and the sexual revolution. They talk about the apparent inevitability of progress in the 19th century and how those hopes were dashed by two world wars.
Wilson and Scrivener also consider how these huge cultural and societal changes interact with the gospel, and conclude by discussing the extent to which Christianity cannot be forced into the neat political categories of right and left, liberal and conservative.
Credits:
Post-Christianity? is a podcast from The Gospel Coalition and The Keller Center for Cultural Apologetics. Learn more about The Keller Center here.
The Good Book Company is the publisher of The Air We Breathe by Glen Scrivener. For 25% off books on Christianity and culture, go to thegoodbook.com/postpodcast.
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