In this episode, Zac and Larry discuss the resurgence of metaphysical belief in modern society, particularly focusing on the two recent articles by Paul Kingsnorth and Ross Douthat. We explore the implications of Kingsnorth's argument in his Erasmus lecture, "Against Christian civilization," discuss the cultural and metaphysical collapse of the West, and the conflict between modernity and Christianity. The conversation also touches on controversial figures in the modern right, the dynamics of techno-feudalism, and the relationship between sin and creativity.
Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Weather Talk 01:02 Resurgence of Belief in Modern Society 02:58 Exploring Paul Kingsnorth's Perspective 06:03 The Nature of Christian Civilization 08:58 Cultural and Metaphysical Collapse 12:10 The Conflict Between Modernity and Christianity 14:53 Controversial Figures in the Modern Right 17:59 Techno-Feudalism and Political Dynamics 20:57 Linking Civilization and Sin 24:13 Creative Impulse Beyond Sin 30:57 The Role of Sin in Civilization 34:55 Technology and Environmentalism: A Double-Edged Sword 39:52 Understanding Modern Religious Attitudes 44:28 The Crisis of Civilizational Christianity 50:47 Re-Evangelizing Culture: A Call to Action 56:41 Navigating Modern Moral Dilemmas