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July 8, 2024 • 2hr 16min
#807 - Alex O'Connor - Why Is Cultural Christianity On The Rise?
Modern Wisdom
Alex O'Connor is a YouTuber, writer and podcaster known for his commentary on religion, philosophy and ethics. In this episode, he discusses the apparent resurgence of interest in Christianity among some intellectuals and younger people, exploring potential reasons for this trend and its implications. The conversation covers a wide range of topics related to Christianity, including its relationship to Western values, the discovery of early Christian texts, and how religious narratives provide meaning in people's lives.
#807 - Alex O'Connor - Why Is Cultural Christianity On The Rise?
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Key Takeaways
- There appears to be a resurgence of interest in Christianity among some public intellectuals and younger generations, though it's debatable whether this constitutes a true "Christian revival"
- Many "cultural Christians" appreciate Christian ethics, narratives and traditions without necessarily believing in the supernatural claims
- This trend may be partly a reaction against secular liberalism, "wokeness", and a perceived lack of meaning in modern society
- Islam does not seem to be experiencing a similar revival in the West, possibly due to its more rigid doctrines compared to Christianity's flexibility
- The discovery of "gnostic gospels" and other early Christian texts has shed new light on the diversity of early Christian beliefs
- There is debate over whether the Old Testament depicts one or multiple gods, with some scholars arguing the texts show evidence of early polytheism
- Birth rates and demographic changes may be underappreciated factors that will significantly shape society in coming decades
Introduction
Alex O'Connor is a YouTuber, writer and podcaster known for his commentary on religion, philosophy and ethics. In this episode, he discusses the apparent resurgence of interest in Christianity among some intellectuals and younger people, exploring potential reasons for this trend and its implications. The conversation covers a wide range of topics related to Christianity, including its relationship to Western values, the discovery of early Christian texts, and how religious narratives provide meaning in people's lives.
Topics Discussed
The "Christian Revival" Phenomenon (2:17)
O'Connor discusses the apparent renewed interest in Christianity among some public intellectuals and younger generations, though he's skeptical of calling it a true "revival". He notes:
- Many "cultural Christians" appreciate Christian ethics and traditions without necessarily believing supernatural claims
- This trend may be partly a reaction against secular liberalism and "wokeness"
- Some see Christianity as a bulwark of Western civilization and values
- "What we're seeing is an emergence of people who are more sympathetic to the Christian ideal or what they perceive as the Christian ideal...without actually believing in the truth of it."
Motivations for the Christian Revival (10:09)
O'Connor explores potential reasons for renewed interest in Christianity:
- Reaction against perceived spiritual/moral vacuum created by New Atheism
- Desire for meaning, community and ethical framework
- Political motivations - seeing Christianity as defender of Western values
- Personal experiences of finding hope/meaning through faith
- Perception that Christianity provides stability in uncertain times
Cultural Christianity vs Traditional Christianity (26:45)
There's a distinction between "cultural Christians" who appreciate Christian ethics/traditions and more traditional believers:
- Cultural Christians may not believe supernatural claims but value Christian narratives/ethics
- Traditional Christians emphasize importance of believing core doctrines
- Debate over whether one can truly be Christian without belief in key claims like resurrection
- "A lot of nominal Christians don't really believe in what they're saying. They sort of go to church because they feel like they have to, but don't actually have the same kind of passion that you'd like to see in a sort of firmly spiritually convicted Christian population."
Christianity in America vs UK (30:56)
O'Connor contrasts Christianity in the US and UK:
- American Christianity often more enthusiastic, less traditional
- UK Christianity declining rapidly, less culturally relevant
- American megachurches very different from traditional UK services
- Religion plays much bigger role in American politics compared to UK
Islam and Other Religions (1:07:51)
O'Connor discusses why Islam doesn't seem to be experiencing a similar revival:
- Islam generally less flexible in interpretation of texts
- Quran seen as direct word of God, less room for metaphorical readings
- Christianity more adaptable to modern sensibilities
- "Islam is more high T and Christianity is more like high tea, if you know what I mean."
Gnostic Gospels and Early Christianity (1:17:57)
O'Connor explains the significance of recently discovered early Christian texts:
- Gnostic gospels show diversity of early Christian beliefs
- Some present radically different views of Jesus and Christian theology
- Raise questions about formation of biblical canon
- Gospel of Thomas contains sayings of Jesus not found in Bible
- "It tells us what Christian traditions were being opposed at the time of the formation of the New Testament canon."
Old Testament Polytheism (1:30:14)
O'Connor discusses scholarly debates about polytheism in early Judaism:
- Some argue Old Testament shows evidence of belief in multiple gods
- Gradual shift from polytheism to monotheism
- Differing portrayals of God in various Old Testament books
- Concept of Satan/devil developed later, not present in earliest texts
Narrative, Meaning and Religion (1:49:01)
O'Connor explores how religious narratives provide meaning:
- Religious stories often more compelling than abstract philosophical arguments
- Narratives can convey ethical truths in memorable ways
- Some find scientific worldview insufficient for providing meaning
- "Good fiction approximates truth in a roundabout way. A good work of fiction tells you something true. It just does it through the use of fiction."
Demographics and Birth Rates (2:09:09)
O'Connor discusses the underappreciated impact of demographic changes:
- Falling birth rates in many developed countries
- Potential for major societal changes due to demographics
- Media tends to ignore long-term demographic trends
- Birth rates described as "the most unique type of risk" - gradual but inevitable impact
Conclusion
The conversation explores the complex interplay between religion, culture, politics and demographics. While there are signs of renewed interest in Christianity among some groups, it's unclear whether this constitutes a true revival or lasting trend. The discovery of early Christian texts has shed new light on the diversity of early Christian beliefs, raising questions about orthodox doctrines. Meanwhile, demographic changes driven by birth rates may end up being one of the most significant yet underappreciated factors shaping society in coming decades. Overall, the discussion highlights the ongoing relevance of religion in shaping worldviews, ethics and culture, even as traditional religious belief declines in many Western countries.