Bulletin insert: Critical Theory vs. Biblical Christianity (7/05/2020)

Critical Theory vs. Biblical Christianity:

What it is, and Why you need to know something about it!

Pastor Terry L. Reese, Valley GBC, Armagh, PA; 7/05/2020

Critical Theory is the vital Worldview that guides the thought of BLM and others within the Social Justice Movement, and which also informs the sentiments of their progressive allies. In essence, Critical Theory views all of reality through the lens of power struggle, dividing people into oppressed groups vs. oppressor groups, in accordance with various distinctions such as race, class, gender, sexual orientation, age, and physical ability.

Origins: “Critical Theory” derives its basic concept of social power-dynamics from Karl Marx and was further developed by the neo-Marxist Frankfurt School in the 1930’s. It has since evolved into a broad school of thought that has generated a foundational set of beliefs for a variety of modern disciplines, including race, feminist, and gender studies.

I. The Core Beliefs of Modern Critical Theory

A. Our individual identities are inseparable from our group

identities as either oppressor or oppressed, in relation to a given identity marker (such as race or gender).

If you are part of an Oppressor Group, you cannot simply say that you, as an individual, are not a racist. You are part of an oppressor group. “Old white men” are oppressors; hence, the idea of “white privilege.” 

B. Oppressor groups subjugate the oppressed through their use

of hegemonic power. They (e.g., whites, men, heterosexuals, Christians, etc.) establish the norms through which others are judged. They impose their values upon all of society not through open oppression, but rather, through their influence.

C. Our fundamental moral duty is to free the oppressed.

It is rare for Critical Theorists to speak of traditional ethics like honesty, chastity, self-control, generosity, kindness, etc. Instead, ethical behavior is all about dismantling unjust power structures.

D. Lived experience is more vital and important than objective

evidence in understanding oppression. Personal experience and narrative are substituted for rational thought. Oppressed people have a special insight that is unattainable to those from oppressor groups. If you are an oppressor, you must shut-up and listen, rather than challenge the claims of the oppressed. Their experience outweighs your logic and empirical evidences.

E. Oppressors seek to hide their oppressive ways under the

guise of reasonable argument, objectivity, and logic.

Critical Theorists seek to ascribe motives to their opponents, rather than weigh various evidences and ascertain truth.

F. Individuals at the intersection of different oppressed

groups experience oppression in unique ways. This is called Intersectionality; e.g., white women & black women are both oppressed, but have experienced different levels of oppression.

II. Critical Theory’s Incompatibility to Christianity.

A. A whole different worldview. An all-encompassing worldview

explains basic reality, telling us who we are, what our basic problem is, what the solution is, and what our moral duties are.

Christianity is about Creation, Fall, Redemption, & Restoration. 

Critical Theory: No Creation (our identity is defined by our

relationship to other men, not to God), Oppression, Activism, and Social Liberation.

B. Christianity has a different epistemology (i.e., how we know

things), believing in rational objective truth and logic, focusing upon the question “Is something TRUE, or is it FALSE?” We have an objective truth-source— Scripture—coming from the very GOD of TRUTH!

C. Critical Theory adopts a strict Marxist adversarial relationship

between the oppressors & the oppressed. Christianity, however, sees 3 basic markers of shared common identity among men:    

1) Creation: a common bond; all are created in the Image and

likeness of God (Gen. 1:27), and are of equal value and dignity.

2) Sin: All have sinned (Rom. 3:23); in common, we need mercy and

forgiveness; mankind is united in rebellion against God

3) Redemption: Distinctions between men are demoted in importance

by redemption. We have Good News! We can be reconciled in Christ and become real brothers & sisters (Gal. 3:28)!

D. Christianity does seek to promote “hegemonic” truth!

There is one God, one Faith, one Way of Salvation (John 14:6, Acts 4:12), and one True Story; we cannot “celebrate diversity: when it comes to truth, doctrine, ethics, and morals!

E. Christianity repudiates CT’s class-based ethical relativism and

moral asymmetry. We affirm a universal moral code and impartiality towards all persons. Our speech is always under the moral rule of God (Col. 3:8, 4:6).

III. Conclusion.

Our response…

1.    Reject Critical Theory. To accept critical theory is to abandon the Christian world view, its dogma, and its dogma.

2.    Understand why other people are attracted to it.

3.    Reject racism, and speak about it—Biblically (Acts 17:26).