Glen Scrivener and Andrew Wilson discuss how today's popular slogans flow from a Christian worldview, explore the inconsistencies of modern culture, question our society's relativism, and describe the new pharisaism in our secular age. They also explore the pro-life stance of early Christians, the legacy of Christianity in a post-Christian society, and the shifting certainties and inconsistencies of beliefs.
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Quick takeaways
Modern culture's slogans and values are deeply influenced by Christianity, even when detached from its religious context.
The virtues emphasized in Western society have shifted from classical traits to Christian virtues, reflecting the enduring legacy of Christianity in our ethical framework.
Deep dives
The Influence and Legacy of Christian Values
Christian values, whether we realize it or not, underpin Western society. These values are evident in aspects such as equality, compassion, consent, enlightenment, science, freedom, and progress. They have become deeply ingrained in our culture, shaping the way we think and act. Even when these values are detached from their Christian origins, they continue to be influential and widely accepted. However, there is often a disconnect between these values and the materialist worldviews that dominate our society.
The Significance of Creedal Language and Belief Statements
Modern culture has adopted a creedal-like form of expressing beliefs and values. Phrases like 'In this house, we believe' have become common, resembling the structure of traditional creeds. This shift reflects the Christian influence on our culture, where the profession of beliefs and statements of faith hold importance. Even as people may deny their Christian faith, their moral convictions are often grounded in these Christian principles.
The Transition from Classical Virtues to Christian Virtues
Our culture has seen a transformation in the understanding of virtues. Classical virtues, like wisdom, justice, courage, and temperance, were associated with the military and focused on self-control and manliness. In contrast, Christian virtues, such as love, joy, peace, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, emphasize compassion, equality, and love. These virtues have moved from the military barracks to the family home, reflecting the influence of Christianity on our ethical framework.
The Paradox of Post-Christianity and its Christian Roots
Post-Christian culture showcases an apparent departure from Christian beliefs and practices. However, it paradoxically relies heavily on Christian foundations. The values upheld in society, even when detached from Christianity, often emerged from Christian teachings. The emphasis on compassion, equality, justice, and love are rooted in Christian principles. This post-Christian culture may reject explicit Christian language, but its core values bear witness to the enduring legacy of Christianity.
The Beatles might have claimed to be bigger than Jesus, but when they said “Love is all you need,” they were just riffing on Jesus’ words. In this episode, Glen Scrivener and Andrew Wilson discuss how today’s slogans—Black Lives Matter, Women’s Rights are Human Rights, No Human is Illegal, Science is Real, Love Is Love, Kindness Is Everything—flow from a worldview thoroughly shaped by Christianity.
They compare and contrast ancient, Christian, and secular virtues to explore the inherent inconsistencies of today’s culture, question how relativistic our society really is, and describe how we’ve arrived at a new pharisaism where those who don’t get on board with the modern program are the new heretics of our secular age.
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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