Americans have been grappling with issues related to race and social inequities for generations. In the past few decades, a new approach to analyzing and approaching these issues has developed called Critical Theory. This new theory has gained a special prominence in the last several years.
On this episode of Filter Conversations, we had Dr. Doug Groothuis join us to discuss the worldview of critical theory and its incompatibility with both Christianity and the American system. This conversation was centered around his new article “America, Critical Theory, and Social Crisis.” Dr. Groothuis explains to us the origins of Critical Theory, how it spread in the United States, and how this theory is destructive to American society.
Dr. Groothuis is professor of philosophy at Denver Seminary and the author of several books. He is currently working on the second edition of his magnum opus book Christian Apologetics. Dr. Groothuis is also the author of several other volumes including Philosophy in Seven Sentences, Truth Decay, and Unmasking the New Age. He is also a frequent contributor to both scholarly and popular publications.
Show Highlights
The American system is unique in history and among systems of government.
Our government is based around two foundational documents: the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.
The Constitution is a profound document for its system of checks and balances, as well as its ability to be amended.
Critical Theory is a worldview which categorizes human society into a system of oppressed and oppressors based upon group identity.
The origins of Critical Theory are found in the cultural Marxism of 1960s academia.
The Christian worldview and Critical Theory are incompatible for many reasons.
Resources
Find a collection of Dr. Groothuis’s blogs and other works at https://douglasgroothuis.com/.
Read Dr. Groothuis’s new article “America, Critical Theory, and Social Crisis.”
Check out Dr. Groothuis’s book Christian Apologetics on Amazon.
For an excellent analysis of Critical Theory from a Christian worldview, see Dr. Neil Shenvi’s website.
On the topic of Robin DiAngelo’s White Fragility, read Tim Challies three part critical review.
Watch a good conversation on Critical Theory with Dr. Voddie Baucham on “Exposing & Opposing Social Justice Theology” at YouTube.
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