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3 Threats to Secularism in the West
Manage episode 517631303 series 2648519
In this commentary, I reflect on my recent trip to Copenhagen, Denmark, and the broader implications of living in the post-Christendom West. Walking the ancient streets and talking to seasoned church leaders I pondered two major factors that contribute to secularism, and how Protestantism has become a victim of its own success. Yet some European countries and U.S. regions buck the secular trend. Why? Considering the story of secularism—and resilient Christianity—helps us pass down a robust, durable faith to the next generation.
———
In This Episode
04:00 – Faith and decadence on Copenhagen’s streets
08:00 – From opt-out to opt-in belief
12:00 – America’s exception and slow convergence
18:00 – Faith thrives under tension
23:00 – The problem with establishment
30:00 – Reform, burnout, and secular substitutes
36:00 – Postwar humanism and its cracks
45:00 – Reality intrudes on secular optimism
49:00 – Three pressures on secularism and gospel hope
Resources Mentioned
- Graph of Religious Importance and Corresponding GDP
- Graph of Religious Attendance in the US and Europe
- A Secular Age by Charles Taylor
- Destroyer of the gods by Larry W. Hurtado
- Dominion by Tom Holland
- The Age of Hitler and How We Will Survive It by Alec Ryrie
- The Abolition of Man by C.S. Lewis
———
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Help The Gospel Coalition renew and unify the contemporary church in the ancient gospel: Donate Today
Don’t miss an episode of Gospelbound with Collin Hansen:
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
179 episodes
Manage episode 517631303 series 2648519
In this commentary, I reflect on my recent trip to Copenhagen, Denmark, and the broader implications of living in the post-Christendom West. Walking the ancient streets and talking to seasoned church leaders I pondered two major factors that contribute to secularism, and how Protestantism has become a victim of its own success. Yet some European countries and U.S. regions buck the secular trend. Why? Considering the story of secularism—and resilient Christianity—helps us pass down a robust, durable faith to the next generation.
———
In This Episode
04:00 – Faith and decadence on Copenhagen’s streets
08:00 – From opt-out to opt-in belief
12:00 – America’s exception and slow convergence
18:00 – Faith thrives under tension
23:00 – The problem with establishment
30:00 – Reform, burnout, and secular substitutes
36:00 – Postwar humanism and its cracks
45:00 – Reality intrudes on secular optimism
49:00 – Three pressures on secularism and gospel hope
Resources Mentioned
- Graph of Religious Importance and Corresponding GDP
- Graph of Religious Attendance in the US and Europe
- A Secular Age by Charles Taylor
- Destroyer of the gods by Larry W. Hurtado
- Dominion by Tom Holland
- The Age of Hitler and How We Will Survive It by Alec Ryrie
- The Abolition of Man by C.S. Lewis
———
SIGN UP for my newsletter, Unseen Things
Help The Gospel Coalition renew and unify the contemporary church in the ancient gospel: Donate Today
Don’t miss an episode of Gospelbound with Collin Hansen:
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
179 episodes
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