Prevent Cultural Marxism’s Church Destruction
The Threat to Orthodox Christianity
As a conservative evangelical, I’ve always believed that a literal six-day creation shouldn’t be a litmus test for orthodox Christianity. However, this doesn’t mean I’m “soft” on Darwin. In fact, I’ve witnessed firsthand how embracing Darwinism can slowly erode a college student’s faith.
Initially, they may still hold onto their allegiance to the Nicene Creed while embracing Darwinism. But over time, the naturalistic worldview underlying Darwinism starts to chip away at their faith. They begin to view fellow Christians who reject Darwinism as backward and close-minded. Doubts about the authority of church leaders, the church itself, and even the Bible start to creep in. Eventually, they feel superior to the church and the Bible, considering themselves liberated from what they now see as the anti-science beliefs of their former Christian peers.
Unfortunately, this same insidious process is now happening with college students who embrace critical theories and social justice ideologies. They initially cling to the Bible, searching for verses that align with their newfound concerns. But soon, they start reinterpreting the Bible, the church, and Christian theology through the lens of critical social justice. The authority of the Bible diminishes, replaced by a belief that they are morally superior to the God of the Old Testament and to Christians who hold to traditional theological truths and ethical standards.
This dangerous trend poses a serious threat to the future of the church, the family, civil discourse, and our democratic society. To help navigate these treacherous waters, Neil Shenvi and Pat Sawyer have written a survival guide called “Critical Dilemma: The Rise of Critical Theories and Social Justice Ideology — Implications for the Church and Society.” In this book, they provide an objective overview of contemporary critical theory and equip readers to critique and respond effectively to its worldview.
The Power of Intersectionality
Shenvi and Sawyer dedicate a significant portion of their book to explaining the theories and ideologies they critique. They meticulously analyze quotes from the actual theorists, lending credibility and accessibility to their arguments.
They highlight four essential elements of contemporary critical theory: social binary, hegemonic power, lived experience, and social justice. These elements shape the worldview of critical theorists and influence their approach to various issues such as race, class, gender, and sexuality.
One of the most significant elements is intersectionality, which emerged from Marxist identity politics. Intersectionality views individuals as members of groups either victimizers or victimized. Shenvi and Sawyer demonstrate how intersectionality has become an overarching framework that fuses different disciplines, blurring the lines between critical race theory, queer theory, and more.
Another crucial element is hegemonic power, which goes beyond overt acts of injustice. It encompasses how dominant social groups impose their values and norms on society, often disguising them as natural or even God-ordained. This perspective leads to the belief that certain groups, such as white heterosexual males, possess inherent privilege, while others, like black lesbian atheists, are oppressed.
Furthermore, contemporary critical theory prioritizes lived experience over objective evidence and reason. This shift challenges the Enlightenment belief that reason and science provide a neutral foundation for society. Instead, the seriousness of perceived harm is determined solely by the victimized person, and any questioning of their response is seen as a product of oppression.
Lastly, social justice is a central concern for critical theorists. They seek to transform society by empowering marginalized and disenfranchised groups and dismantling systems and structures that perpetuate the social binary. Shenvi and Sawyer emphasize the need to critically examine how contemporary critical theory defines justice and identifies which systems are unjust.
Christianity vs. Critical Theory
Shenvi and Sawyer argue that contemporary critical theory functions as a worldview and metanarrative, just like Christianity. However, the assumptions underlying these worldviews are fundamentally incompatible.
Christianity recognizes the inherent worth of all individuals as made in God’s image, while critical theory divides people into oppressor and oppressed groups. Christianity addresses sin as the primary problem, while critical theory focuses on oppression. The solution in Christianity is redemption through Christ, while critical theory advocates for activism and liberation politics.
Shenvi and Sawyer highlight the stark differences between these worldviews in terms of their understanding of social norms, hierarchies, the role of law, and the focus on eternal needs versus temporal needs.
Throughout their critique, Shenvi and Sawyer specifically address critical race theory and queer theory, emphasizing their interconnectedness and the dangers of reading racial concerns into Scripture or assigning collective guilt based on race. They stress the importance of biblical exegesis and call for a return to Scripture as the ultimate authority.
In conclusion, Shenvi and Sawyer’s book serves as a timely warning against the ideas that threaten orthodox Christianity. They urge Christians to reject the divisive narratives of critical theory and instead embrace the unifying message of Christ’s love and redemption for people of every tribe and nation.
While the challenges are great, there is still hope to counter the influence of critical theory and rebuild bridges within the body of Christ.
According to Shenvi and Sawyer, how can individual Christians engage with critical theories in a constructive and respectful manner
Ps and dismantling oppressive systems. However, Shenvi and Sawyer argue that the notion of social justice in critical theory is not a traditional understanding of justice but rather a means to redistribute power and resources based on group identity.
Shenvi and Sawyer’s analysis of these essential elements of contemporary critical theory sheds light on the underlying worldview that shapes the thinking of those who embrace this ideology. By understanding these elements, readers can better engage in thoughtful dialogue and critique, rather than dismissing or attacking those who hold different views.
The Role of the Church and Christians
In “Critical Dilemma,” Shenvi and Sawyer emphasize the importance of the church and individual Christians being equipped to navigate the challenges posed by critical theories and social justice ideologies.
They argue that the church has a crucial role in addressing these issues. Instead of dismissing or denouncing critical theories, the church should engage in thoughtful dialogue and integration. By understanding the underlying worldview and addressing the legitimate concerns raised by critical theorists, the church can offer a robust alternative that upholds theological truths while seeking justice and reconciliation.
Individual Christians also play a vital role in engaging with critical theories in a constructive manner. Shenvi and Sawyer encourage Christians to approach these conversations with humility, empathy, and a commitment to truth. They advocate for respectful dialogue that seeks understanding and common ground, rather than resorting to divisive rhetoric or personal attacks.
Furthermore, Shenvi and Sawyer emphasize the importance of Christians being well-informed and critically engaged. They provide readers with the tools to analyze and respond to critical theories, empowering them to articulate a thoughtful Christian perspective that addresses the legitimate concerns raised by these ideologies while remaining faithful to biblical truth.
Conclusion
The rise of critical theories and social justice ideologies poses a significant threat to orthodox Christianity. It can erode faith, undermine the authority of the Bible, and divide the church. However, with the right understanding and engagement, the church and individual Christians can navigate these challenges and offer a robust alternative that upholds theological truths and seeks justice and reconciliation.
“Critical Dilemma” by Neil Shenvi and Pat Sawyer is a valuable resource for Christians who seek to understand and respond effectively to the rise of critical theories. By providing an objective overview and practical tools for critique, the book equips readers to engage in thoughtful dialogue and integration, affirming biblical truth while addressing legitimate concerns raised by critical theorists. Through informed and respectful engagement, the church can navigate these treacherous waters and be a force for truth and reconciliation in our society.
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