It seems to me that Smith's contribution, pointing out that paganism never went away, is significant (although I don't quite make the distinction he did... Christianity - particularly in the incarnation - is both transcendent and immanent). Like Voldemort, paganism hid in the shadows, inhabiting spaces subversively, but secularism and the crumbling of Christendom have allowed an avenue for its return to prominence in the west. Viola also contributes to this conversation, by noting the places where pagan practices were syncretized with Christian liturgies over the centuries.
It seems to me this is what Paul was correcting in 1 Corinthians 12-13, where he basically tells the churches there to stop trying to worship Jesus using the same excitable methods and fervent rituals they had previously performed in their attempts to summon the presence of their pagan gods. Paul goes so far as to say it's a slap in the face to Jesus when churches attempt this.
One other factor that comes into play is that if the west is truly returning to the pagan pluralities of the Roman era, then that means Jesus' church is, perhaps truly for the first time since the 4th century, back in an apostolic age, where Christianity no longer casts the single, compelling vision and organizing framework for the west. Which to me, would indicate a need to rediscover the apostles' teaching in a fresh way and shape our churches and networks around it.
I think we are primarily secular in the U.S. and in most developed countries. But I think our “minority” (by %’s) Christianity is also mixed with either or both secularism and paganism. We serve in the Amazon with indigenous peoples, whey they become Christ-followers they renounce their paganism, although it is deeply embedded in their cultural worldview.
QUOTE: “Wokeness has been considered a form of “hyper-Christianity” as it focuses on victims, power inequalities, and justice, but pursues it in a secularized and ultimately incoherent way. Instead of the equality of all human beings, we have a moral hierarchy of identities. Also, for all the rhetoric of tolerance, diversity, and inclusion, there is a puritanical need to cancel, humiliate, mock, intimidate, or even hurt anyone who is not the most progressive person in the room.”
Humanism and paganism share the common ground of focusing on, and attempting to solve human (and natural) problems with human solutions. But it is pointless to try to put the world to rights without first putting sinners’ relationships with God right. In other words, it is fatal to foreground ecclesiology and background soteriology.
QUOTE: “Wokeness has been considered a form of “hyper-Christianity” as it focuses on victims, power inequalities, and justice, but pursues it in a secularized and ultimately incoherent way. Instead of the equality of all human beings, we have a moral hierarchy of identities. Also, for all the rhetoric of tolerance, diversity, and inclusion, there is a puritanical need to cancel, humiliate, mock, intimidate, or even hurt anyone who is not the most progressive person in the room.”
Humanism and paganism share the common ground of focusing on, and attempting to solve human (and natural) problems with human solutions. But it is pointless to try to put the world to rights without first putting sinners’ relationships with God right. In other words, it is fatal to foreground ecclesiology and background soteriology.
Went for Christian, ironically in a way, as we, in Australia, are largely hostile or wary of religion, especially church based, yet so many of our values still derive from Christian ideas. Even our hyper individualism. Though the fruit be now be cut from the root.
It seems to me that Smith's contribution, pointing out that paganism never went away, is significant (although I don't quite make the distinction he did... Christianity - particularly in the incarnation - is both transcendent and immanent). Like Voldemort, paganism hid in the shadows, inhabiting spaces subversively, but secularism and the crumbling of Christendom have allowed an avenue for its return to prominence in the west. Viola also contributes to this conversation, by noting the places where pagan practices were syncretized with Christian liturgies over the centuries.
It seems to me this is what Paul was correcting in 1 Corinthians 12-13, where he basically tells the churches there to stop trying to worship Jesus using the same excitable methods and fervent rituals they had previously performed in their attempts to summon the presence of their pagan gods. Paul goes so far as to say it's a slap in the face to Jesus when churches attempt this.
One other factor that comes into play is that if the west is truly returning to the pagan pluralities of the Roman era, then that means Jesus' church is, perhaps truly for the first time since the 4th century, back in an apostolic age, where Christianity no longer casts the single, compelling vision and organizing framework for the west. Which to me, would indicate a need to rediscover the apostles' teaching in a fresh way and shape our churches and networks around it.
Hi Scott, some true stuff here. I swing between Smith and Holland depending on the day.
I think we are primarily secular in the U.S. and in most developed countries. But I think our “minority” (by %’s) Christianity is also mixed with either or both secularism and paganism. We serve in the Amazon with indigenous peoples, whey they become Christ-followers they renounce their paganism, although it is deeply embedded in their cultural worldview.
Dick, yes, it's likely to me a mix. I'm thinking that "Wokism" is a weird mix of Christianity, paganism, and secuarism.
A Dr. Bird you spelled my name wrong it’s Nick not Dick, all good mate!!
"Putting the world to rights" CAN be the error described in this article's much-needed insight.
Explain more what you mean
QUOTE: “Wokeness has been considered a form of “hyper-Christianity” as it focuses on victims, power inequalities, and justice, but pursues it in a secularized and ultimately incoherent way. Instead of the equality of all human beings, we have a moral hierarchy of identities. Also, for all the rhetoric of tolerance, diversity, and inclusion, there is a puritanical need to cancel, humiliate, mock, intimidate, or even hurt anyone who is not the most progressive person in the room.”
Humanism and paganism share the common ground of focusing on, and attempting to solve human (and natural) problems with human solutions. But it is pointless to try to put the world to rights without first putting sinners’ relationships with God right. In other words, it is fatal to foreground ecclesiology and background soteriology.
I'm also interested in better understanding what you are saying here.
QUOTE: “Wokeness has been considered a form of “hyper-Christianity” as it focuses on victims, power inequalities, and justice, but pursues it in a secularized and ultimately incoherent way. Instead of the equality of all human beings, we have a moral hierarchy of identities. Also, for all the rhetoric of tolerance, diversity, and inclusion, there is a puritanical need to cancel, humiliate, mock, intimidate, or even hurt anyone who is not the most progressive person in the room.”
Humanism and paganism share the common ground of focusing on, and attempting to solve human (and natural) problems with human solutions. But it is pointless to try to put the world to rights without first putting sinners’ relationships with God right. In other words, it is fatal to foreground ecclesiology and background soteriology.
Went for Christian, ironically in a way, as we, in Australia, are largely hostile or wary of religion, especially church based, yet so many of our values still derive from Christian ideas. Even our hyper individualism. Though the fruit be now be cut from the root.
Oh wait never mind I read the feedback wrong I thought you were responsible to me haha 😆