Chalcedon Podcast Ep. 55 - Christianity & Cultural Decline

In this book, Francis A. Schaeffer examines the historical and philosophical developments in Western society from Ancient Rome to the 1970s. He critiques the influences of the Renaissance, the Enlightenment, and modern science, arguing that these movements have led to a decline in Christian values. Schaeffer advocates for a return to a Christian foundation, emphasizing the importance of living by the Christian ethic and affirming the morals, values, and meaning of the Bible. The book is divided into chapters that explore various periods and aspects of Western thought, including the Reformation, the Enlightenment, modern science, and modern art and culture.

In 'Technopoly: The Surrender of Culture to Technology', Neil Postman argues that modern society has transitioned into a 'technopoly', where technology is not just a tool but the central organizing principle of culture. Postman contends that this shift has radical consequences for politics, art, education, intelligence, and truth. He describes how technology has become the primary source of moral authority, leading to a culture that values efficiency and technical calculation over human judgment. The book critiques the pervasive influence of technology on all aspects of life, highlighting issues such as the reduction of truth to data, the dominance of experts in all fields, and the erosion of traditional moral and cultural frameworks.

In this book, Neil Postman argues that the contemporary world is more akin to Aldous Huxley's 'Brave New World' than George Orwell's '1984'. Postman contends that television's emphasis on entertainment has led to a decline in rational discourse and the trivialization of politics, education, and religion. He contrasts the print-based culture of the 19th century with the televisual culture of the 20th century, highlighting how the medium of television inherently promotes incoherence and triviality, turning serious information into a form of entertainment.