Identity in a Post-Christian Culture

As discussed on recent episodes, when it comes to religion and worldview preferences, most people tend to follow their own internal feelings, intuitions, and experiences. But what are the larger social implications of this increasing emphasis on the subjective? According to Carl Trueman, in today’s culture of “expressive individualism,” the idea of conforming to anything external—anything outside the “self”—has come to be seen as “inauthentic.” As a result of this cultural shift, identity is now being formed by a person’s internal feelings and desires rather than by external considerations, including nature itself. Shane Rosenthal talks with Dr. Trueman about this and many other issues he addresses in his book, The Rise & Triumph of the Modern Self.SHOW NOTESResources by Carl TruemanThe Rise & Triumph of the Modern Self & Strange New World (books)Dylan Mulvany and the Real Clash of Civilizations (article - First Things)In Our Chaotic Age, Some Atheists are Rethinking Secularism (article)6 Ways Christians Can Respond to Our Strange New World (article - TGC)The Genesis of Gender (podcast)Five Lies of Our Anti-Christian Age (podcast)Other Related ResourcesThe Mormonization of American Christianity, Shane Rosenthal (article)The Story of Us, Shane Rosenthal (article)What is Faith?, Shane Rosenthal (article)Liberalism or Christianity?, J. Gresham Machen (article)Is Faith a Feeling?, The Humble Skeptic, Episode 4Religion on Trial, The Humble Skeptic, Episode 5Faith & Experience, The Humble Skeptic, Episode 28We Need Your Help!Consider supporting The Humble Skeptic podcast by making a one-time gift or upgrading to a paid subscription via Substack ($5.95 per month, $59 per year). We also now have tax-deductible giving options as well. Get full access to The Humble Skeptic at www.humbleskeptic.com/subscribe