Ep. 215 - Can You Have a Biblical... Critical Theory??? w/Dr. Christopher Watkin
Jan 15, 2023
auto_awesome
Dr. Christopher Watkin, an author and expert on integrating faith with cultural critique, discusses his book, Biblical Critical Theory. He explores how biblical teachings can inform modern societal critiques, emphasizing the importance of dialogue between faith and critical theory. Watkin highlights the complexities of culture and argues for a nuanced understanding of human identity through a biblical lens. Additionally, he advocates for respectful environmental stewardship and examines the balance of order and chaos in understanding community and purpose.
Dr. Christopher Watkin's 'Biblical Critical Theory' seeks to unify modern critical theories with biblical narratives for cultural critique.
The concept of diagonalization highlights the necessity of reinterpreting cultural narratives through a biblical lens for richer understanding.
Watkin emphasizes the relational nature of God, advocating for love and community as foundational elements in cultural engagement.
Deep dives
Introduction to Biblical Critical Theory
Dr. Christopher Watkin's work, 'Biblical Critical Theory', aims to bridge the gap between modern critical theories and biblical narratives, addressing the desire for cultural critique through a biblical lens. The initial motivation for this endeavor arose during Watkin's university experience, where he encountered various philosophical frameworks but found no integration with his biblical worldview. A pivotal moment for him was realizing that the Bible presents a cohesive narrative that serves as a framework for understanding reality, a theme he continually advocates through his writing. By examining historical figures like Augustine, Watkin establishes a tradition of using theological underpinnings to critique culture, asserting that the Bible's overarching story is essential for navigating contemporary societal challenges.
Understanding Critical Theory
Critical theory, as outlined by Watkin, is approached in different dimensions—ranging from its broad sense as a critique of societal norms to more specific iterations like critical race theory. Watkin elaborates on how many misunderstandings arise from conflating these various forms, emphasizing that biblical critical theory is not a mere acceptance of contemporary ideologies but a call to assess them through scriptural insights. By prioritizing a biblical framework first, he advocates for a distinct approach that does not force scripture into the molds of modern critical thought. This entails recognizing the biblical narrative's inherent critiques of culture and societal structures while simultaneously engaging with contemporary philosophical discourse.
The Role of Culture and Figures
Watkin introduces a nuanced understanding of culture through the lens of figures, which represent patterns and symbols that inform how societies construct meaning. He distinguishes between broader cultural paradigms that capture ways of life and more specific manifestations like art and literature, indicating that both are valuable in shaping our understanding of reality. The interaction of these figures creates a complex ecosystem in which ideas, artifacts, and behaviors coalesce to form societal norms and expectations. Recognizing this interconnectedness allows for a deeper cultural critique, enabling one to see how biblical truths can permeate and reshape cultural narratives by providing an alternative framework.
The Concept of Diagonalization
Diagonalization, as presented by Watkin, entails critically engaging with prevailing cultural narratives by revealing how they are often disjointed or misrepresented from the biblical perspective. Watkin illustrates this concept using the image of God as a case study, showcasing how modern interpretations of humanity often fragment the biblical narrative into isolated binaries. By reestablishing the coherence found within Christian theology, the intention is to recover a fuller understanding of humanity that embraces complexity while rejecting simplified interpretations. This method of diagonalization not only critiques the current state of cultural discourse but also reaffirms the richness of biblical truth as a pathway to understanding modern dilemmas.
The Importance of the Trinity
The doctrine of the Trinity serves as a foundational element in Watkin's argument for a relational understanding of God, displaying how absolute and personal attributes coexist harmoniously within the divine nature. He posits that God's relational essence is fundamental to reality itself, transforming the way believers perceive their existence in relation to the world and to each other. This perspective challenges the prevailing modern narrative that often emphasizes individualism over relational interconnectedness. By presenting God as fundamentally relational and love-oriented, Watkin frames love as the essential element that shapes human interaction and societal structures, prompting a re-evaluation of values in the quest for a flourishing community.
Cultural Application and Implications
Watkin's insights into biblical critical theory encourage Christians to actively engage with the world, seeking to implement a perspective rooted in love and relationality as derived from the Trinity. He emphasizes that this isn't merely an abstract theological exercise but has tangible implications for how Christians relate to one another and to society at large. By embodying a love that reflects divine qualities, individuals are prompted to challenge social norms and critiques, ultimately fostering a culture that values community and connection over mere tolerance. The vision of a community that is anchored in the love of the Trinity acts as a powerful model for how believers can partake in cultural critique and transformation.
In this episode of the Parker's Pensées Podcast, I'm joined once again by Dr. Chris Watkin. This time we discuss his new book, Biblical Critical Theory.
Grab the book from my affiliate link to support the podcast here: https://amzn.to/3vcZnZ0
Or if they're sold out check out the Westminster bookstore: https://www.wtsbooks.com/products/biblical-critical-theory-how-the-bibles-unfolding-story-makes-sense-of-modern-life-and-culture-9780310128724?variant=42388623327432
If you like this podcast, then support it on Patreon for $3, $5 or more a month. Any amount helps, and for $5 you get a Parker's Pensées sticker and instant access to all the episode as I record them instead of waiting for their release date. Check it out here:
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/parkers_pensees
If you want to give a one-time gift, you can give at my Paypal:
https://paypal.me/ParkersPensees?locale.x=en_US
Check out my merchandise at my Teespring store: https://teespring.com/stores/parkers-penses-merch
Come talk with the Pensées community on Discord: dsc.gg/parkerspensees
Sub to my Substack to read my thoughts on my episodes: https://parknotes.substack.com/
Check out my blog posts: https://parkersettecase.com/
