Join theologian Joshua Mauldin, Associate Director at Princeton’s Center of Theological Inquiry, as he explores the profound insights of Karl Barth and Dietrich Bonhoeffer. They discuss how these thinkers confronted the crises of democracy and the rise of Nazism, drawing startling parallels to today’s challenges. The conversation delves into the ethical complexities of modernity, the necessity of tolerance, and the importance of community engagement in navigating societal dilemmas. A must-listen for anyone intrigued by theology and modern political thought!
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insights INSIGHT
Modern Democracy's Historical Parallels
The crisis in liberal democracy today parallels the early 20th century crisis that engaged theologians like Barth and Bonhoeffer deeply.
Their reflections on modernity and Nazism provide a lens to understand threats to democracy now.
insights INSIGHT
Barth's Nuanced Modernity Support
Criticism of modernity can support liberal democracy rather than reject it.
Mauldin uses Barth to challenge assumptions, showing nuanced support for modern liberal projects.
insights INSIGHT
Pluralism Challenges in Modernity
Modernity is a system allowing competing understandings of the good life, requiring tolerance among diverse visions.
The challenge is whether such pluralism can sustain societal cohesion without imposing new orthodoxies.
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While specific details about "The Unintended Reformation" are unavailable, the context suggests it's a historical analysis of the Protestant Reformation's impact on Western culture. The book likely explores the unforeseen consequences of the Reformation, examining how it contributed to the development of modern society. It may focus on the shift from a unified Christian culture to a more pluralistic one, analyzing the social, political, and religious changes that resulted. The author's perspective likely offers a critical examination of the Reformation's long-term effects, highlighting both positive and negative aspects. Further information is needed to provide a more comprehensive summary.
After Virtue
Alistair McIntyre
Alasdair MacIntyre's "After Virtue" is a highly influential work in moral philosophy that critiques modern ethical theories and proposes a return to virtue ethics. MacIntyre argues that modern moral philosophy has lost its way, leading to a fragmented and incoherent understanding of morality. He traces the historical development of ethical thought, identifying the decline of virtue ethics and the rise of emotivism and other relativistic approaches. MacIntyre proposes a revival of virtue ethics grounded in the Aristotelian tradition, emphasizing the importance of character development and the cultivation of virtuous dispositions. His work has had a profound impact on contemporary ethical debates, inspiring renewed interest in virtue ethics and its application to various social and political issues.
How Democracies Die
Steven Levitsky
Daniel Ziblatt
In this book, Harvard professors Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt examine the breakdown of democracies, arguing that modern democracies do not die in a sudden coup but rather through the slow erosion of critical institutions and political norms. Drawing on decades of research and examples from 1930s Europe to contemporary cases in Hungary, Turkey, Venezuela, and the American South during Jim Crow, the authors highlight the importance of mutual toleration and forbearance in maintaining democratic stability. They identify key indicators of authoritarian behavior, such as the rejection of democratic rules, denial of opponents' legitimacy, tolerance of violence, and curtailment of civil liberties. The book also discusses the role of political parties in defending democracy and proposes solutions to counteract democratic backsliding, including elite-level cooperation, addressing social inequalities, and restoring democratic norms[2][4][5].
In this episode, I am joined by theologian, ethicist, and Associate Director of the Center of Theological Inquiry at Princeton, Dr. Joshua Mauldin. We delve into Joshua's recent work examining Karl Barth and Dietrich Bonhoeffer, not just as theologians but as critics of modernity. The conversation covers how these figures reflected on the crises of democracy during their time, the rise of Nazism, and World War II, while drawing parallels to today's societal challenges. We also explore the nuances of political and ethical thought in a modern context, stressing the importance of tolerance and critical reflective engagement. This is an insightful episode for theology nerds and those interested in modern political and ethical thought.
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