Defend and Confirm

Why do we sing as Christians? Does God care if we sing? Better yet, does He care how we sing? In this episode, we critique how some evangelical churches approach their music-making ministry, and offer some practical advice for how those Christians can more faithfully serve the Lord with the instrument he has given every one of us.

Our critique of Contemporary Critical Theory continues as we analyze CCT's concept of the social binary. Is society fundamentally a conflict between oppressors and the oppressed? Are all social groups engaged in a hierarchical struggle for power? Spoiler alert: No.

Critical theory teaches that the "lived experience" of oppressed people gives them special access to the truth, while oppressors are blinded by the privilege of their social position. Behind this claim is a view called "standpoint theory", an epistemology that is fundamentally incompatible with Christianity.

"All truth is God's truth." 

True. 

But Critical Theory isn't true. Contemporary Critical Theory is not a tool that Christians should keep in their tool belt. Rather, CCT is a religion that is fundamentally at odds with the gospel of Jesus Christ. There will always be a hegemony, the only question is, "Which hegemony? That which flows out of Christianity...or cultural Marxism?"

In this third episode in our series on Critical Theory we look at the history and development of Contemporary Critical Theory. Specifically, we explore the relationship between CCT, the Frankfurt School, and Marxism. Oh, you don't like history? Good thing we didn't ask for your opinion. 

In this second episode in our series on Critical Theory, we take a closer look at the major tenets of Contemporary Critical Theory (CCT). What characteristics tie the various streams of CCT together? Don't we see similar characteristics taught in the Bible? We answer these questions and more with the help of special guest Young Will.

What is Critical Theory? Why would we talk about it? Are we even qualified to talk about it? This is the first episode in our series on Critical Theory, and here we lay some important ground work for future episodes. Is this the most exciting and controversial stuff on the internet dealing with Critical Theory? Definitely not. But is it helpful? We think so.

What does it look like when a pastor builds his own kingdom? In this episode we talk about the dangers of self-branding and self-promotion in ministry.

This episode's "book you should read" is C.J. Mahaney's Humility (https://www.amazon.com/Humility-Greatness-C-J-Mahaney/dp/1590523261/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=cj+mahaney+humility&qid=1594481383&sr=8-2_)

Also, if you haven't seen it, watch the film There Will Be Blood (2007).

We're back! After a year-long hiatus, we came back together to discuss social media. We dig in to cognitive bias, disunity in the church, and other spiritual dangers that Facebook, Twitter, and similar platforms present. We also offer some simple suggestions for Christians struggling in this area.

This episode's "book you should read" is an article by Mark Dever: 12 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Posting Something Online