10. History Maker: Why Tom Holland changed his mind about Christ
Jan 9, 2024
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Tom Holland, a popular historian, discusses why he changed his mind about Christianity. The podcast explores how the Christian story has shaped modern society and influenced moral values. It also delves into the hidden impact of Christianity on our lives, including society, sexuality, and gender. Holland's controversial views on the historicity of Muhammad's life and the origins of the Quran are also touched upon. The positive contribution of Christianity in initiating hospitals and championing equality is highlighted. The podcast concludes with discussions on the transition from atheism to Christianity and the vacuum of power.
Christianity played a crucial role in the establishment of institutions like hospitals, charities, and the fight against infanticide, challenging the narrative of a retrograde effect.
Without a shared belief system rooted in Christianity, contemporary societies struggle to justify and ground their values, raising questions about coherence in moral reasoning and harmonious coexistence.
Secular thinkers are reevaluating the value of Christianity in recognizing its profound impact on Western civilization, acknowledging the Christian origins of moral values, human rights, and concepts like humanism.
Deep dives
The Influence of Christianity on Western Values
The podcast episode explores the profound impact of Christianity on Western values and morality. It challenges the popular narrative that Christianity brought about a retrograde effect during the so-called dark ages. Instead, it argues that Christianity played a crucial role in the establishment of institutions like hospitals, charities, and the fight against infanticide. The episode highlights the Christian origins of concepts such as human rights, equality, compassion, and progress. While some modern thinkers may reject supernatural claims, they acknowledge the Christian roots of their own moral beliefs and values.
The Need for a Moral Framework
The episode emphasizes the importance of having a moral framework to justify and ground our values. It suggests that without Christianity as a foundation, contemporary societies are left with subjective vibes and a lack of coherence in moral reasoning. The absence of a shared belief system raises questions about how we justify our values and how we can live together harmoniously if we uproot the Christian story that has shaped Western civilization.
Reconsidering Christianity and its Historical Impact
The podcast episode discusses how many secular thinkers are reevaluating the value of Christianity in light of its profound impact on Western civilization. Scholars, philosophers, and historians, such as Tom Holland, Tom Gray, and John Gray, acknowledge the Christian origins of our moral values, human rights, and even concepts like humanism. While not necessarily advocating religious belief, these thinkers urge a critical examination of our cultural inheritances and recognize that our moral intuitions and values are deeply influenced by the Christian story and its theological underpinnings.
The influence of Christianity on Western society
Historian Tom Holland discusses the significant impact of Christianity on Western society, highlighting how its values and principles have shaped the foundations of Western civilization. He argues that ideas such as equality, human rights, and compassion, which are often taken for granted in the modern world, are actually rooted in the Christian belief system. Holland examines how Christianity's distinct theological assumptions helped to create a secular society and how Western civilization differs from other cultures like Islam. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing Christianity as the driving force behind the development of these values.
Personal reflections on faith and belief
Holland reflects on how his exploration of various religious and philosophical traditions, including Islam and Christianity, has impacted his own beliefs and worldview. He discusses the concept of a leap of faith and questions whether his adherence to certain values, such as human rights and equality, is based on personal conviction or simply a result of cultural influence. Holland delves into his fascination with Christian writings and their intricate explanations for beliefs and values, finding them captivating and thought-provoking. He acknowledges the seductive power of Christian ideas and their complexity, while also contemplating the role of religion in shaping societal values.
Whether modern westerners realise it or not, their world has been shaped by the Jesus revolution of 2,000 years ago. Popular historian Tom Holland is a notable voice who has been reminding his secular peers of the Christian waters they swim in and why it matters.
In this 'third act' of the documentary series Justin charts how the Christian story shaped us. He hears from Tom Holland on why he changed his mind about Christianity alongside thinkers, historians and converts on why atheist accounts of history often fail to explain why we believe in equality, dignity and human rights.