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Jacob Marques-Rollison / The Two Sides of Jacques Ellul’s Work

May 6, 2025

Guest

Jacob Marques-Rollison

Jacob Marques-Rollison, co-president of the International Jacques Ellul Society and author, discusses the multifaceted work of Jacques Ellul. He explores Ellul’s critiques of modernity, especially regarding technology and individual freedom. The conversation also highlights the interplay of theology and sociology in Ellul's thought, addressing issues of alienation in contemporary Christianity. Marques-Rollison emphasizes the need for genuine understanding of faith amidst sociological trends, showcasing the lasting relevance of Ellul's insights in today’s world.

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insights

INSIGHT

Two Sides of Ellul's Work

Jacques Ellul combined sociology and theological ethics in his extensive 20th century work.
He viewed these as two tensioned sides, like magnetic poles, rather than a puzzle fitting neatly together.

insights

INSIGHT

Ellul's Qualitative Sociology Focus

Ellul's sociology focuses on the qualitative links between individual and group.
He analyzes broad institutions like economics and law to explore societal relationships.

insights

INSIGHT

Ellul’s Dialectical Sociology and Theology

Ellul used dialectical thinking inspired by Marx to analyze societal driving forces like the state and technique.
The theological side acts as a prophetic call to human freedom against deterministic social forces.

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Exploring Community and Thought

02:16 • 4min

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The Dual Insights of Jacques Ellul

06:34 • 22min

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Theological Insights from 'Presence in the Modern World'

28:47 • 26min

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Exploring 'Technique' and Its Relationship with Modernity

54:21 • 2min

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The Enduring Relevance of Jacques Ellul's Insights

55:57 • 3min

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Exploring Ongoing Works on Jacques Ellul

59:18 • 3min

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#34627

The humiliation of the word

Jacques Ellul

This book explores the nature of the word and its meaning in contemporary society. It examines how the word has been devalued and misused in modern communication, leading to a decline in meaning and understanding. The author analyzes the impact of technology and mass media on language, arguing that they have contributed to the degradation of the word. The book also explores the theological implications of the humiliation of the word, suggesting that it reflects a broader spiritual crisis. It calls for a renewed appreciation for the power and importance of the word in human life and faith.

#49948

Theological Ethics

Jacques Ellul

Jacques Ellul's 'Theological Ethics' is a monumental work that explores the complexities of Christian living. Structured around the themes of faith, hope, and love, the treatise delves into the ethical implications of each. Ellul challenges traditional moral frameworks, emphasizing the importance of individual freedom and responsibility within a divinely ordained order. The work is characterized by its dialectical approach, highlighting the tensions between the human and the divine, the individual and society. It remains a significant contribution to theological discourse, prompting ongoing reflection and debate.

#29028

A New Reading of Jacques Ellul: Presence and Communication in the Postmodern World

Jacques Ellul

This book delves into the multifaceted contributions of Jacques Ellul, a prominent 20th-century thinker. It examines his insights on presence and communication within the context of postmodern society. The authors explore Ellul's unique perspective on technology, society, and faith, highlighting their relevance to contemporary issues. The book offers a fresh perspective on Ellul's work, making it accessible to a wider audience. It encourages readers to engage with Ellul's ideas and apply them to their own lives and understanding of the world.

#33645

To Will and To Do

Jacques Ellul

Jacques Ellul's 'To Will and To Do' is a profound exploration of ethical decision-making within a Christian context. The work delves into the intricacies of human will, examining its capacity for both good and evil. Ellul challenges traditional ethical frameworks, offering a nuanced perspective shaped by his understanding of technology and society. The treatise emphasizes the importance of individual responsibility and the tension between human agency and divine grace. It remains a significant contribution to theological ethics, prompting ongoing discussion and debate among scholars and theologians.

#69

• Mentioned in 127 episodes

Brave New World

Aldous Huxley

Written in 1931 and published in 1932, 'Brave New World' is a dystopian novel set in a futuristic World State where humans are bred in vitro and predestined into a rigid social hierarchy. The novel explores themes of technological advancement, social conditioning, and the loss of individuality and freedom. The story revolves around characters such as Bernard Marx, an Alpha who questions the society, Mustapha Mond, the World Controller, and John, a 'Savage' from a reservation who introduces elements of emotion and individuality into the highly controlled World State. The novel critiques the optimism of technological progress and its potential to create a society that values stability and happiness over humanity and freedom.

#2419

• Mentioned in 11 episodes

The Technological Society

Jacques Ellul

In 'The Technological Society,' Jacques Ellul discusses the concept of 'technique,' which he defines as the totality of methods rationally arrived at and having absolute efficiency in every field of human activity. Ellul argues that modern society is dominated by this 'technique,' which is focused on efficiency and has infiltrated all aspects of human existence, including science, automation, politics, and human relations. He warns that this technological system threatens human freedom and responsibility, and that it has taken on a life of its own, independent of human control. The book explores the historical rise of 'technique,' its characteristics, and its profound impact on society, highlighting the need for a critical reevaluation of the role of technology in human life.

#16712

• Mentioned in 2 episodes

Presence in the Modern World

Jacques Ellul

Lisa Richmond

In 'Presence in the Modern World', Jacques Ellul explores how Christians can make a difference in the face of complex forces like technology and the state. He emphasizes the need for a radical awareness of our situation and a 'ferocious and passionate destruction of myths' to become mediums for God's action in the modern world. This book is a classic that remains relevant today, offering insights into the challenges of modern society and the role of Christians within it.

Jacob Marques-Rollison is currently co-president of the International Jacques Ellul Society (IJES). Among his publications on the life and work of Jacques Ellul are A New Reading of Jacques Ellul: Presence and Communication in the Postmodern World (2020) and an English translation of Ellul's two-volume ethical treatise To Will & To Do. He and his wife are on staff at L’Abri Fellowship in Huémoz, Switzerland.

PODCAST LINKS:

- Jacques Ellul (Cascade Companion book): https://wipfandstock.com/9781625649140/jacques-ellul/

- International Jacques Ellul Society: https://ellul.org/

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