Andrew Wilson on How the Year 1776 Shaped the Post-Christian West
Oct 31, 2023
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In this podcast, Andrew Wilson discusses how the events of 1776 shaped the post-Christian West, exploring topics such as human rights, free trade, liberal democracy, and religious pluralism. He argues that 1776 separates us from the past and that the West is filled with Protestant pagans. The hosts also discuss the decline of church attendance, the need for adaptation, and the challenges of post-Christianity.
Andrew Wilson argues that the year 1776 was a pivotal moment in shaping the post-Christian West, with significant world-changing events and ideas occurring around that time.
The influence of Protestant paganism and Christianity played a crucial role in transforming Western culture, along with Protestantism's connection to discovery, novelty, and economic development.
The podcast emphasizes the importance of understanding historical context, storytelling, and engaging with modern culture as Christians navigate the challenges of the post-Christian landscape.
Deep dives
Exploring the Significance of 1776
The podcast episode discusses the book 'Remaking the World' by Andrew Wilson, which explores how the year 1776 shaped the post-Christian West. The episode highlights the importance of understanding the various world-changing events and ideas that occurred around 1776, such as the American Revolution and the Enlightenment. It also emphasizes the influence of Protestant paganism and the role of Christianity in the transformation of Western culture. The episode delves into the connections between Protestantism, discovery, novelty, and economic development, showcasing how these elements have shaped the modern world. Overall, it presents a thought-provoking analysis of the historical and cultural factors that have contributed to the current state of the West.
Andrew Wilson's Fascination with 1776
In this episode, Andrew Wilson discusses his book 'Remaking the World' and his serendipitous encounter with the idea of 1776 as a significant year. He shares how his interest was piqued by reading Ian Morris' book, which revealed the simultaneous occurrence of major events and ideas, such as the American Revolution, the steam engine, and the Enlightenment, all revolving around 1776. Wilson explains the connection between Protestant paganism and the transformation of Western culture, as well as his examination of the impact of Protestantism, discovery, and novelty on economic development. He also touches on the divisive nature of historical figures like Oliver Cromwell and the relevance of understanding the historical context to evaluate their significance. Ultimately, the episode offers informative insights into Wilson's exploration of the post-Christian West and its historical underpinnings.
Analyzing Responses to the Post-Christian West
Andrew Wilson and Colin Hansen engage in a conversation about the responses to the post-Christian West explored in Wilson's book 'Remaking the World'. They discuss the significance of the Enlightenment narrative and its impacts on modern society. Wilson highlights the need for Christians to understand and respond to the changing cultural landscape, emphasizing the importance of storytelling and historical context. The conversation encompasses topics such as the relationship between industrialization, religiosity, and economic growth, and the challenges faced by the church in a rapidly changing world. Wilson offers insights on how Christianity can engage with post-Christianity and navigate cultural shifts in a way that exemplifies grace, freedom, and truth. The episode provides valuable perspectives on the current state of the West and the potential paths forward for the church.
Exploring the Legacy of 1776
The podcast episode delves into the book 'Remaking the World' by Andrew Wilson, which examines the transformative impact of the year 1776 on the post-Christian West. Wilson presents the interconnectedness of world-changing events and ideas during this time, such as the American Revolution, steam engine invention, and the Enlightenment. He explores the influence of Protestant paganism and its combination with Protestantism on the cultural and economic development of the West. The episode highlights the importance of historical context and understanding the contributions of figures like Oliver Cromwell. Wilson also analyzes the responses of the church to the evolving post-Christian landscape, emphasizing the need for storytelling and engagement with modern culture. This thought-provoking discussion provides a deeper understanding of the lasting legacies of 1776.
Andrew Wilson's Podcast Journey
Andrew Wilson discusses his new podcast with the Gospel Coalition, 'Post-Christianity?'. He describes his collaboration with Glenn Scrivener and shares their aim to explore the topic of post-Christianity, its historical roots, and the responses of the church to this cultural shift. Wilson highlights the relevance of the podcast in providing insights into the changing dynamics of post-Christian societies. He discusses their engaging conversations with guests like Kyle Harper, Kyle Strobel, and Rebecca McLaughlin, who offer diverse perspectives on the topic. The episode emphasizes the podcast's focus on understanding the present challenges and opportunities faced by the church in a post-Christian world. It promises thought-provoking discussions and practical applications for Christians navigating contemporary culture.
There’s one big idea at the heart of Andrew Wilson’s remarkable new book, Remaking the World: How 1776 Created the Post-Christian West, published by Crossway. He argues that more than any other year in the last millennium—the last 1,000 years—1776 made us who we are today in the West.
I suppose many American listeners now are thinking, Of course!The Declaration of Independence! Ron Swanson says history began on July 4, 1776. But wait: didn’t Andrew just say the post-Christian West? What does he mean about that?
Andrew demonstrates a lot of courage writing about 1776 as the teaching pastor of King’s Church London. But one of the most important points of his book is that the American Revolution was just one of many world-changing events and ideas crossing and recrossing the Atlantic in and around 1776. In fact he argues the battles were less important than the words. Human rights, free trade, liberal democracy, religious pluralism; the preference for authenticity over authority, choice over duty, and self-expression over self-denial—Andrew traces it all back to 1776.
Ron Swanson might not be right that history began on July 4, 1776. But Andrew does argue that 1776 separates us from the past. He writes, “The vast majority of people in human history have not shared our views of work, family, government, religion, sex, identity, or morality, no matter how universal or self-evident we may think they are.”
In Andrew’s telling, the West is full of Protestant pagans, and Christians are victims of our own success. He joined me on Gospelbound to talk about his favorite stories and his fervent hopes.
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