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Christianity, History, and the Modern Age: A Conversation With Tom Holland

Bishop Robert Barron・49 minutes read

The show "Unbelievable" explores how the church can share its story in a post-Christian world through discussions with Bishop Baron and Tom Holland, who emphasize the transformative impact of Christianity on Western civilization and the need to boldly proclaim Christian distinctiveness in a secular society. Topics such as original sin, the influence of Christianity on society, and the ongoing debate between Pelagius and Augustine are highlighted, emphasizing the importance of salvation and the enduring hope for transcendence in challenging times.

Insights

  • Bishop Baron emphasizes the importance of combining Truth and Beauty in evangelization, showcasing his ministry's influential approach to sharing the Christian message.
  • Tom Holland delves into the transformative impact of Christianity on Western civilization, tracing its influence back to historical roots and highlighting the shared goals of modern atheism, secular humanism, and Protestant reformers in banishing superstition for a morally better life.

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Recent questions

  • What is the show "Unbelievable" about?

    The show features conversations on church storytelling.

  • How can questions be submitted for the show?

    Questions can be submitted through the Slido app.

  • What is Bishop Baron's approach to evangelization?

    Bishop Baron emphasizes Truth and Beauty in ministry.

  • How did Tom Holland explore Christian history?

    Tom Holland traced Christianity's influence on Western culture.

  • What is the significance of original sin in Christianity?

    Original sin underscores the need for redemption.

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Summary

00:00

"Unbelievable: Church's Story in Post-Christian World"

  • The show "Unbelievable" features conversations with guests like Bishop Baron and Tom Holland on how the church can tell its story in a post-Christian world.
  • Questions can be submitted through the Slido app using a specific hashtag.
  • Bishop Baron discusses his influential ministry on Word on Fire, emphasizing a combination of Truth and Beauty in his approach to evangelization.
  • Tom Holland shares his journey of discovering the influence of Christianity on Western culture, tracing his interest back to childhood and his exploration of Christian history.
  • Tom's interest in Christian history led him to write books like "Dominion" and explore the transformative impact of Christianity on Western civilization.
  • Bishop Baron responds to Tom's journey, highlighting the moral and intellectual dimensions of his exploration and the influence of Christian saints.
  • Bishop Baron discusses the philosophical implications of God as "ipsum esse" and its connection to the rise of atheism from a loss of understanding of God's nature.
  • Bishop Baron connects the theological understanding of Jesus as both Divine and human to a respect for human freedom and a real humanism.
  • Tom Holland explains the evolutionary links between modern atheism and Protestantism, highlighting the Evangelical nature of both in bringing people from darkness to light.
  • Tom describes modern atheism, secular humanism, and Protestant reformers' shared goal of banishing superstition and idols to lead people to a morally better life.

15:08

Rejecting False Worship: Christianity's Call to True Belief

  • The language used in Christianity is derived from Hebrew prophets, particularly Isaiah, emphasizing the rejection of idolatry.
  • Christianity's history is seen as a progression towards the rejection of false worship and embracing true worship.
  • The option presented in the Bible is between true belief and false belief, centered around the worship of a highest good.
  • Augustine's "City of God" echoes the call to abandon false worship for true worship, emphasizing the importance of the highest good worshipped.
  • Worshiping the god of love, as proposed by Augustine, shapes individuals and societies towards non-violence and love.
  • Contemporary society, influenced by Christian assumptions, is struggling with a lack of connection to the transcendent, leading to internal and societal issues.
  • The church needs to emphasize its distinctiveness and the oddity of Christian beliefs in a secular world saturated with Christian values.
  • Christianity's stories, like the Passion and Exodus, have deeply influenced Western thought and should be central in teaching the faith.
  • Christianity's distinctiveness should be boldly proclaimed in a secular world that has adopted many Christian values without acknowledging their origins.
  • The doctrine of original sin, seen as the inherent brokenness inherited by all, is a key aspect of understanding human nature and the need for redemption.

29:52

Critique of Perfectibility, Embrace of Original Sin

  • Karl Marx's idea of perfectibility is criticized, with a preference for the concept of original sin.
  • The repudiation of original sin in the 60s is highlighted as a significant theological shift.
  • The 60s era is compared to the 1520s in terms of its impact on Christendom.
  • The shift towards a Pelagian age is noted, opposing Augustine's doctrine of original sin.
  • The democratic nature of the doctrine of original sin is emphasized.
  • The dangers of striving for perfectibility and the resulting contempt for sinners are discussed.
  • The Bishop discusses the theological debate between Pelagius and Augustine, emphasizing the need for salvation.
  • The importance of Jesus being both fully human and fully divine is explained.
  • The significance of original sin in Christianity and the need for a savior is underscored.
  • The Bishop and Tom discuss the enduring hope for transcendence in society, especially in challenging times.

46:33

Endurance and Evolution of the Church

  • The endurance of the church under persecution across ages is highlighted, with Tom Holland delving into the detailed history.
  • Cardinal George's reflection on the continuity of Peter's successors compared to Caesar's successors is discussed, emphasizing the lasting presence of the Church.
  • During the pandemic, Pope conducted a service in Saint Peter's Square amidst the sound of ambulances, connecting to historical events like Gregory the Great's time of plague.
  • The profound impact of the Book of Job and the Church's historical writings on navigating crises like the pandemic is underscored, offering a powerful resource.
  • The evolving role of the Church in society is debated, with concerns raised about the potential dilution of its historical inheritance amidst societal changes.
  • The dynamite of the Church, symbolizing the power of the gospel, is metaphorically discussed through historical figures like Gandhi and the message of non-violence.
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