Free Will, Freedom, and Truth in a Post-Truth Age

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The concept of free will originated in Christianity as the ability to resist social and biological imperatives. Sexual freedom in a biblical sense involves the strength to say no to libidinous desires rather than indulging in them. In contemporary society, the notion of post-truth is often used critically to describe a disconnection from reality rather than as a positive attribute. Post-truth is more accurately a reflection of post-trust, indicating a loss of faith in traditional institutions and arbiters of good judgment like mainstream media, scientific committees, and the church.

How can Christians offer grace, freedom, and truth in this current cultural moment? In this episode, Glen Scrivener and Andrew Wilson get practical.

If their books are correct in diagnosing the 21st-century West as post-Christian, what impact can this have on our approach to everyday evangelism, preaching, and parenting? They return to the observation that it is refreshing to be able to say to people, "Here's why you're right," rather than, "Here's why you're wrong."

They tease out the unique challenges of our current context and the need for Christians to offer counter-catechesis. Scrivener shares some examples of fruitful conversations he has had with friends and strangers, and Wilson reflects on how to engage with casual visitors in our churches—people who might not call themselves Christians but are recognizing the radical and foundational nature of Biblical teaching.

Credits:

Post-Christianity? is a podcast from The Gospel Coalition and The Keller Center for Cultural Apologetics. Learn more about The Keller Center here.

The Good Book Company is the publisher of The Air We Breathe by Glen Scrivener. For 25% off books on Christianity and culture, go to thegoodbook.com/postpodcast.