On The Line Dr. John Rasmussen: Understanding Secularism and the Rise of the Nones
10 snips
Dec 29, 2025 Dr. John Rasmussen, a Lutheran pastor with a DMin in Applied Apologetics, delves into the reshaping of belief in today's society. He examines the impact of secularism and moralistic therapeutic deism on faith, emphasizing the need for structured catechesis and robust apologetics. John contrasts individualism and cultural Christianity, addressing how modern culture influences parenting and community. He advocates for beauty in Christianity to attract people, urging a return to deeper spiritual formation to counteract secular ideologies.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Listen First, Then Invite
- Approach secular people with listening, kindness, and humility rather than hostile us-vs-them rhetoric.
- Ask good questions, listen, and be ready to offer a brief, winsome word that invites further conversation.
Recoil And Doubling-Down
- Secularism can provoke two reactions: a broad recoil toward tradition and a smaller doubling-down within echo chambers.
- Internet echo chambers accelerate radicalization on both sides.
The Shape Of MTD
- MTD is an eclectic, consumer-style spirituality with no creed, prophets, or sacred text.
- Popular culture and liberal Protestantism helped domesticate transcendence into a feel-good religion.
