The Praiseworthy Past
The Renaissance was a period in European history between the 14th-17th century. Erudite minds were prized and polymaths were celebrated. The expectation for men to critically engage art, literature and learning was normative. The most knowledgeable understood that knowledge extended beyond the borders of a particular sphere of life, thus different cultures and fields were explored. This allowed the greatest men of the time to think in a way that transcended their surroundings. They could analyse and challenge different forms of established thought and practice because they were not afraid to critically engage.
The Regressive Present
Fast forward to the new millennium where we’ve witnessed unparalleled advancement in science, technology and medicine. However, such advancement has not extended into every area of life. In fact, the biggest failure of this age must be attributed to the regression of thought. Engaging different ideas was once a necessity for excellence, however, our culture has simultaneously adopted two crippling, antithetical extremes – pluralism and intolerance.
Pluralism is naturally the first ideological pitfall, implicitly assuming that all thought is of equal value. It tries to establish an artificial peace, through removing the element of disagreement from the equation. An underlying fallacy that drives this is the thought that affirming equality amongst ideas is essential for affirming equality amongst the persons who express them. Intolerance, the second pitfall, acts as a controlling mechanism. It supresses individuals or groups who endeavour to critically engage with the worldviews presented to them. This is necessary because pluralism cannot simultaneously affirm and reject any system of thought that rejects pluralism. Thus, engaging these ideas critically would reveal inconsistencies inherent within a pluralistic society. Hence aggressive subjugation is required as ideological dissenters are seen as a threat to this misunderstood “equality” and more importantly, the societal constructs formed by pluralism. A potent effect of this two-tiered problem is the crippling of thought. A digression in thought from the political correctness is met with politically encouraged antagonism. Unlike the Renaissance period, it is now normative to enslave worldviews rather than to engage them. Our most prized, contemporary figures are those who only choose to entertain ideas that could never call another one wrong. The “Renaissance Man” who we hold in such high esteem would now be shunned.
However, tracing this regression is not an exercise to be performed solely when critiquing modern secularism. The reformation of thought in the Renaissance was accompanied by a reformation of theology. Enlightened eyes complemented these enlightened minds. This theological reform led to a denouncement of Roman Catholicism and a vivified study of God’s Word. Debate arose amongst some of the most learned theologians about various topics and iron sharpened iron. God had providentially orchestrated the cultural enlightenment as a means of creating a wonderful breeding ground for theological progression.
The Effects on the Church
Sadly, the intellectual famine that we find in modern society has entered the minds of God’s people as covertly as the serpent’s lies in Eden. The millennial’s regress has also permeated the Church. Refuting opposing worldviews and critiquing various interpretations of the Bible has been replaced by a position that posits truth being relative to the individual. It leads to weak preaching, weak bible studies, weak fellowship, weak convictions and weak faith. Sound biblical interpretation is replaced by feeling. Pluralistic peace is maintained at the expense of biblical fidelity. The decreasing authority of God’s Word in the Church consequently results in an increasing authority of the world in the Church.
A Hopeful Future
Combatting this epidemic requires active participation from the body of Christ. Societal influences cannot always act as a catalyst for theological reform, nor should they always be relied upon. The Church must seek to be empowered by the Scriptures, affirming an inequality of conflicting ideas while taking “every thought captive to obey Christ”. Additionally, the necessity of truth requires us to always be “prepared to give a reason for the hope” that we cling to, whilst doing so with “gentleness and respect”. This means pursuing a comprehensive knowledge of biblical doctrine and the common positions of those who reject Christianity. We must resolve to pursue peace where possible and the truth at all costs – irrespective of the pluralistic pressures and intolerance faced. Furthermore, in recognising that God is Lord over all, we should see this knowledge in every aspect of God’s created order. The Church should naturally develop views that positively influence society in areas like politics, economics, business, aesthetics, medicine, etc. Therefore, we must pray and actively seek to redeem the fallen thought of our culture, boldly rejecting falsehood whilst also providing a heavenly perspective.
“Heav’n above is softer blue, Earth around is sweeter green!
Something lives in every hue, Christless eyes have never seen;”
George W. Robinson, 1876
I originally posted this article on:
www.blackberea.com