The Rise of Social Justice Ideology (ft Neil Shenvi & Pat Sawyer)

Where Are Critical Theory and the Social Justice Movement Taking Us? Critical theory and its expression in fields such as critical race theory, critical pedagogy, and queer theory are having a profound impact on our culture. Contemporary critical theory’s ideas about race, class, gender, identity, and justice have dramatically shaped how people think, act, and view one another-in Christian and secular spheres alike. Authors Neil Shenvi and Pat Sawyer illuminate the origins and influences of contemporary critical theory, considering it in the light of clear reason and biblical orthodoxy.
Critical Dilemma: The Rise of Critical Theories and Social Justice Ideology (a.co/d/07swyEx)
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[@rlpsychology]

Excellent, detailed analysis, Drs. and brothers. As a Hispanic/Latino and prominently a brother in Christ, I and other Christians need to know that this worldview, this religiosity is a nefarious and divisive alternative to God's worldview on social justice as presented in Scripture. I've pre-ordered your book.

[@leluyaa]

Exactamente, Dios te bendiga 🙏🏼❤️

[@deborahadeniji808]

Love how you guys take a Biblical and non-partisan approach to this issue.

[@InspektoraDeFrutas.]

Outside of the BODY OF CHRIST, within the *regular BROKEN, PERVERTED & UPSIDE DOEN secular society* ~~ especially in the United States ~~ unfortunately *_this theory is very TRUE and VALID!_* ❗️🚨 I speak from my own experience - before I came to Christ and started to read the Bible and to understand what in God's perfect plan and view the human society should be like and how much we should all love each other, impartially and without bias and prejudice. And you can never prove me wrong, because this theory explains very well the satanic dynamics of today's society, again, especially and first and foremost in the United States! The United States is IRREFUTABLY *the most racist, classist, all types of prejudiced and partial* society that has ever existed and still exists! And when, as a young immigrant decades ago, I began delving deeper and seeing THAT on the spiritual/intuitive level, even before being born again -- I was utterly terrified, disappointed, and I came to hate that sick satanic society & country with all my heart!!! Praise my Lord Jesus, He got me out of there 13 years ago, before all of the eventual Hell of Sodom and Gomorrah and Obama's legalized perverted marriages broke loose in your country!!! The Lord got me out of that abominable BABYLON ~ the HeadQuarters of hell on earth ~ and saved my soul in another country. HalleluYah! So, just because these critical race and other types of critical theory are not true for the body / church of Christ, do not try to disprove it for the whole world. Because for the whole - broken, fallen, perverted, sinful, UNJUST... - world, this is *precisely the truth,* WITHIN which and BY which it operates. This "THEORY" is PRECISELY the *_unwritten and unspoken satanic principles_* and the *_intuitive/subconscious perverse IDEOLOGY,_* which govern the UNREGENERATED, SPIRITUALLY DEAD citizens of the satanic world. Fact. Am I advocating and pushing this dysfunctional ideology/maxim for existence and perception and attitudes? Of course not! But unfortunately this is a very accurate description of the state, behaviors and MOTIVATIONS of today's worldly people. So we cannot "debunk of deny" it as false, because it is the sad and unfortunate TRUTH of modern society! Shalom to all brother in Christ Jesus 👋❤

[@metapolitikgedanken612]

The should look more into the history of 'Critical Theory'. Who designed it and to what purpose? Frankfurt School (mentioned). Turns out the designers of the concept took cues from Marx (mentioned) and Freud. They essentially transposed Freud's idea of the soul onto Marxian class theory. Declaring all social relations not only 'exploitation', but also as 'repressive'. Instead of 'liberating the working class' it became 'liberating the 'it' the 'desires' in individuals and society. The issue is what type of people this creates over time. And we can actually see that now: Hysterical transgenders that aggressively turn on anyone that doesn't want to deal with their BS. I should add that the literature of CT isn't really explicit on most of this. Also not telling people were this is really going (it's deceptive)... Now add to this 'deconstruction' and you got the postmodern university in a nut shell.

[@patricksawyer6213]

Very kind of you brother.

[@av8r619]

Watched Jordan Peterson’s YT “The Marxist Lie of White Privilege” in 2020. The video is now 5 years old but it sharply unpacked all of this when I viewed it in early 2020. Appreciate you all for putting some more meat on the bone.

[@TheLookingGlassAU]

I'm currently doing a class at an Australian Bible college called "Cultural Exegesis". In this class the lecturer has taught by the material that was compulsory reading that Christians should view society and the Bible's instruction to public ministry through the lens of Critical Theory. It wasn't overtly taught but no other conclusion could be drawn by the material. Even when I brought up alternative ways of seeing culture (Girard, Eberstadt, Whitehead or the effects of social engineering on cultural research ) the lecturer either hadn't heard of the writer I was asking about or dismissed the question and returned to Luckmann & Berger's cultural theory - not Christian. Ironically Vanhoozer's book "Everyday Theology" was on the bibliography (and when I read it I saw a good Christian approach to reading culture) but it was never mentioned nor given any class time to explore. According to the class there is no other way a Christian should interpret culture than Berger's critical model, which looks at power dynamics. Im getting very sick of Christian academics who are calling for the entire church to abandon the ministry Christians have done for the last 2 thousand years and put all the resources into engaging in Social Justice engagement. Its often called a biblical obligation. Critical theory presents a mythology using reified people groups as characters in a timeless struggle between oppressed and oppressor with the oppressed class as the Jesus figure and the Oppressor in the place of the Roman Empire and the Jewish authorities. This is where Rene Girard comes into the conversation with his mimetic theory of culture. The "Woke" variation of critical theory injects a mystical element where a dualistic identity and "lived experience" of the human being exists - your physical body and you spiritual identity have no hard connection between them. You could be physically male but spiritually female. Its the co-opting of Gnostic and Hermetic ideas to transform Critical Theory into a quasi-religion.

[@InspektoraDeFrutas.]

Outside of the BODY OF CHRIST, within the *regular BROKEN, PERVERTED & UPSIDE DOEN secular society* ~~ especially in the United States ~~ unfortunately *_this theory is very TRUE and VALID!_* ❗️🚨 I speak from my own experience - before I came to Christ and started to read the Bible and to understand what in God's perfect plan and view the human society should be like and how much we should all love each other, impartially and without bias and prejudice. And you can never prove me wrong, because this theory explains very well the satanic dynamics of today's society, again, especially and first and foremost in the United States! The United States is IRREFUTABLY the most racist, classist and prejudiced and partial society that has ever existed and still exists! And when, as a young immigrant decades ago, I began delving deeper and seeing THAT on the spiritual/intuitive level, even before being born again -- I was utterly terrified, disappointed, and I hated that sick satanic society & country with all my heart!!! Praise my Lord Jesus, He got me out of there 13 years ago, before all of the eventual Hell of Sodom and Gomorrah and Obama's legalized perverted marriages broke loose in your country!!! The Lord got me out of that abominable BABYLON ~ the HeadQuarters of hell on earth ~ and saved my soul in another country. So, just because these critical race and other types of critical theory are not true for the body / church of Christ, do not try to disprove it for the whole world! Because for the whole - broken, fallen, perverted, sinful, UNFAIR - world, this is *precisely the truth* within which and BY which it operates. This "THEORY" is PRECISELY the *_unwritten and unspoken satanic principles_* and the *_intuitive/subconscious perverse IDEOLOGY,_* which govern the UNREGENERATED, SPIRITUALLY DEAD citizens of the satanic world. Fact.

[@metapolitikgedanken612]

That's the problem with hegemony and having certain movements in academia. Over time they overload the publishing market with a certain type of literature. And since the 1960s this is predominantly all influenced by 'Critical Theory' or other leftist and postmodernist movements. Now that academics are more left leaning (or progressive or humanist) is already a problem for longer. And I also think that this is partially engineered by political decision makers and connected people as well as financiers. But lets face it. There wasn't much literature on this from a Christian perspective or lets say a Conservative perspective. There is reasons for this as well. E.g. there is a widespread anti-intellectualism among Christians as well as Conservatives. They are more prone to go into practical, technical and productive jobs. While leftists are more prone to go into academia and there into the humanities. This has become more of an issue, since requirements have been lowered there as well. You don't have to have the capabilities in Logic, Mathematics that were required in the past. Being 'good with words' and writing is considered sufficient for higher education today. And the humanities have gotten in lots of ideologues as well that can use their influence over students to 'reproduce Cultural Marxists' there over time. And that's unattractive to Christians and Conservatives. But issue is still that one would need good Conservative and Christian literature first, before one could use that in education and move the cultural Marxist drivel out of the way there. It's difficult I should add. Simply because even the private Christian colleges have absorbed lots of pc point of views. On the other hand the cake is rising, meaning the 'liberal', leftist norms have started to shape society and behavior and it shows in the people. The 'liberated' "IT" (the desire part of the soul) has taken over unrestrained from ego and superego (the moral parts of the soul) and this produces hysterical, self-centered, egoistic, boastful individuals of bad character often given to addictions, envy, debate (in the negative sense) and incapable of clear and thought so reasonings. It will have repercussions over time, though. And they won't be nice.

[@lisacawyer6896]

Something that bothers me are how many Christians distinguish between 'Social Justice' and 'Biblical Justice'. For one thing, the latter term seems to presuppose some sort of Christian Nationalism. Also, while we can argue about what Social Justice looks like, opposition to Social Justice seems very anti-Biblical to me (just look up 'justice' in any Bible concordance, as well as Jesus' teaching about loving our neighbor, loving our enemies, etc.).

[@aprilborrillo2482]

This was Excellent! Thank You I needed to hear this. Thank You! Your show is incredibly informative and helpful and I am soooo Thankful for you and your guests.

[@ericamulondo210]

I appreciate this channel so much! Highly intelligent and relevant conversations - thank you, Dr. Sean! You are a blessing to my life. God bless you and your family!

[@darrenmiller6927]

Relevant, timely, helpful. Sounds like a great book, the authors are impressive. I put this book on my list. Thanks so much!

[@InspektoraDeFrutas.]

Outside of the BODY OF CHRIST, within the *regular BROKEN, PERVERTED & UPSIDE DOEN secular society* ~~ especially in the United States ~~ unfortunately *_this theory is very TRUE and VALID!_* ❗️🚨 I speak from my own experience - before I came to Christ and started to read the Bible and to understand what in God's perfect plan and view the human society should be like and how much we should all love each other, impartially and without bias and prejudice. And you can never prove me wrong, because this theory explains very well the satanic dynamics of today's society, again, especially and first and foremost in the United States! The United States is IRREFUTABLY *the most racist, classist, all types of prejudiced and partial* society that has ever existed and still exists! And when, as a young immigrant decades ago, I began delving deeper and seeing THAT on the spiritual/intuitive level, even before being born again -- I was utterly terrified, disappointed, and I came to hate that sick satanic society & country with all my heart!!! Praise my Lord Jesus, He got me out of there 13 years ago, before all of the eventual Hell of Sodom and Gomorrah and Obama's legalized perverted marriages broke loose in your country!!! The Lord got me out of that abominable BABYLON ~ the HeadQuarters of hell on earth ~ and saved my soul in another country. HalleluYah! So, just because these critical race and other types of critical theory are not true for the body / church of Christ, do not try to disprove it for the whole world. Because for the whole - broken, fallen, perverted, sinful, UNJUST... - world, this is *precisely the truth,* WITHIN which and BY which it operates. This "THEORY" is PRECISELY the *_unwritten and unspoken satanic principles_* and the *_intuitive/subconscious perverse IDEOLOGY,_* which govern the UNREGENERATED, SPIRITUALLY DEAD citizens of the satanic world. Fact. Am I advocating and pushing this dysfunctional ideology/maxim for existence and perception and attitudes? Of course not! But unfortunately this is a very accurate description of the state, behaviors and MOTIVATIONS of today's worldly people. So we cannot "debunk of deny" it as false, because it is the sad and unfortunate TRUTH of modern society! Shalom to all brother in Christ Jesus 👋❤

[@patricksawyer6213]

Thank you!

[@sandrataylor9122]

Thank you for sharing this information. I could not make sense of anything about Critical Theory as any kind of it all sounded like double speak. Dr. Sawyer and Dr. Neil answered many of my questions in this interview. I just now purchased their book at Amazon. Thank you too Sean for your ability to get right to the point of all the subjects you moderate. Great work for the Gospel!!! Sandra Taylor

[@anitamiddleton5023]

Great conversation!! Thanks 🙏🏽

[@patricksawyer6213]

Thank you!

[@lisacawyer6896]

It would be interesting to get John Fea's take on this. Or Jemar Tisby. I'm concerned that in opposing critical theory we are also opposing other forms of anti-racism, at least on a popular level. For example, DeSantis' educational restrictions.

[@anthonywhitney634]

Interesting conversation. Currently here in Australia we're dealing with the issue of how to best close the gap in living standard issues between some members of our indigenous population and the general population. Unfortunately I see some popular solutions as having their basis in CRT.

[@aims_james5013]

I just ordered a copy of their book. I am so grateful for their work and Sean for hosting the interview.

[@ApologeticsBenJoiner]

I agree with critical theory about privilege blinding you to reality. I would just add that lack of privilege does exactly the same thing. We've always known that groups misundestand other groups.

[@RayHooker]

I believe it is very true that we often do not understand each other, and that those with privilege are often blind to it. The main fallacy is that critical theory gives up on the possibility of developing understanding and empathy. In the case of racism, they believe that whites will never be able to see their own racism and so try to transfer power to the black community or whoever is being oppressed. True healing will only occur when both sides develop empathy and trust. Learning to love our neighbor...

[@davidhenderson6255]

Looking forward to reading this book! Thank you.

[@radscorpion8]

Even though I'm an atheist I do appreciate this analysis, its relevant to all groups to learn more about the impacts this increasingly influential field is having on education, especially at elementary and high school levels.

[@joedan5366]

Well, thank you for your honesty. may the Lord bless your day

[@nparksntx]

I’m a Christian and listen quite a bit to James Lindsay, who is an atheist, but doing great work on the topic.

[@patricksawyer6213]

You may appreciate that Peter Boghossian and Thomas Chatterton Williams, both who identify as atheists, have officially endorsed the book. Best…

[@alexr.3504]

Great video! Thank you, gentlemen!!!

[@gardenladyjimenez1257]

Fantastic information and helpful concluding recommendations. Bottom line for me...if I give CRT proponents every point they make, we end up with one simple question. What is the cure? The solution? The fix? Fanning the flames of anger/resentment/despair...where does this lead us? With our eyes fixed on Christ on the cross, He shows us through his example...forgiveness, love and mercy.

[@priscillaamavizca6634]

Amazing and extremely informative show. Thanks for everything Pat and Neil!

[@leslies.1386]

Sean, thank you! And thank you to both your guests. It was very helpful to hear this discussion, and I will need to listen again to understand more. I especially appreciated that both guests were willing to consider the genuine claims/grievances of oppressed people groups, while still pointing out anti-Biblical ideas associated with critical theory. So much to learn about this movement- I have tended (erroneously) to lump it all into one category. Thank you all so much! PTL 🙏😊

[@DrKRMc22]

Thankful for this discussion. Dr. Shenvi’s writings were influential in my doctoral research as well - because he was one of the only critical, Biblical thinkers in this area. Sadly, much of what is being addressed here has infiltrated Biola. The DEI office and several departments have advanced these ideologies under the banner of “equity”. We saw it as parents (and alumni/President’s circle donors/parent’s council members) when our kids were attending from 2015-2022. Whenever we pointed it out, our concerns were dismissed. Last year’s faculty video training series (feat. Dr. Rae) re: women in the classroom is a great example of how critical theory ideologies have subtly influenced Biola. You clearly see the dangers - please help rid Biola of these secular influences.

[@insightdesignusa]

Great program! 1:15:37

[@kathleenvitello6233]

Excellent discussion in this topic. Will help us as we talk to our children. Looking forward to reading the book.

[@jasonmartinez9909]

Definitely going to buy this book. Thank you!

[@anne-vl7qf]

Hey Sean, another McDowell here in Scotland ❤

[@SeanMcDowell]

Nice!

[@user-bz2wm4ks6y]

I love listening to intelligent people who know what they're talking about. You have done a great job of explaining Critical Theory and pointing out some of its excesses and misguided ideas. But I thought you gentleman would never get around to acknowledging that there are some worthwhile things to be learned from Critical Theory. I appreciate that finally you did give attention to some positive things that can be learned from Critical Race Theory. I wish you'd given for than 5 or 6 minutes out of an hour-and-twenty-minute video on these positives. This is one of my struggles with Christianity; we spend so much time disparaging the things that don't line up precisely with our own ideology that we don't learn what there is to be learned.

[@patricksawyer6213]

Thank you. We have an entire chapter on positives. I think you will appreciate it. Best…

[@user-bz2wm4ks6y]

@@patricksawyer6213 Thank you, Dr. Sawyer! I will look for it!

[@CriticalThinker02]

Read an article by these guys not long ago and they are spot on.

[@brotherhammer3666]

These are three academics, who need to have topics that alarm us to sale books. The problem with Christians attacking Critical Theory, is it's a mixture of truth and lies. So if Christians attack the lies, they will be perceived as attacking the truth as well. Christians get sidetracked easily and get distracted by worldly trends and spend too much time on them, instead of preaching the Gospel and doing the Lord's work in more appropriate and productive ways. Critical Theory, in my opinion, is not a threat to Christianity, it just weeds out those who had other agendas to begin with, when they embrace the lies and distortions in it.

[@chrisazure1624]

CRT discets a problem, but offers nothing constructive.

[@rlpsychology]

Dr./brother Sean, Exceptional interview of these two exceptional scientists! And credit to both men for their thorough biblical foundation on this immensely divisive theory.

[@SeanMcDowell]

Thanks!

[@dansaber4427]

​@@SeanMcDowellThe Emperor's New Clothes you're wearing are invisible. God created everyone with a unique orientation. As unique as your God-Given fingerprints. No Two are the same. One of the letters is for you. You are included. No exceptions. Zero excuses.

[@insightdesignusa]

America’s hegemonic culture isn’t exclusively Christian. It’s also classical liberalism which believes power corrupts and absolute power corrupt absolutely. Therefore classical liberalism diffuses power in government. 1:00:44

[@wendyfilice7101]

I tried watching this, but it doesn’t seem to really talk about what CRT is. It seems like a lot of words without much substance on CRT. I am not sure why they took Race out of the subject and call it critical theory. Can you give a brief summary

[@insightdesignusa]

I bought the book because I had to go to the grocery store in the middle of watching this and I stopped and got the book.

[@RoentgenluvJesus2]

Wow, yes! ❤❤❤ Our Christian identity trumps every other characteristic or cause. Trying to explain this to my child (who studies philosophy) about utilitarianism. You cannot as a Christian embrace a world view that at its core denies the existence of God.

[@Jackjohnjay]

Book isn’t on audible…?

[@lesliesavage9229]

Where is your video for the questions to this video as promised, "BEST Case for the Existence of the Soul (w/ JP Moreland)"?

[@SeanMcDowell]

So sorry, I got sick and we had to delay. We are going to do it, but just have to reschedule.

[@SeanMcDowell]

Sorry, I wasn’t feeling well on Friday so we’re rescheduling.

[@lesliesavage9229]

@@SeanMcDowell Okay, thanks.

[@plantbasedchristian2742]

Q: How much of Critical Theory is purely a Western-derived and dominated philosophy and therefore is ITSELF hegemonic in the sense that it is being forced by The West onto Eastern cultures that do not ascribe to its tenants? I lived outside of the West for a number of years and this topic/philosophy strikes me as very much a Western-dominated worldview and could be perceived as another example of the West forcing its ideas on the East

[@cockatielnation5425]

Good insight...

[@harrylong575]

Yeah, I agree. It is certainly a Western idea that there is something unjust in equality. Biblically, there is nothing inherently unjust about inequality. However, human actions and abuse of power can be unjust, just as they are in the Bible.

[@insightdesignusa]

Neil definitely gave us the perfect ending…

[@joedan5366]

Based thank you God for this insight and biblical view of social justice

[@cainonleeds1299]

Just a few minutes in and I really resonated with Dr. Pat Sawyer's story. Thoughtful Christians used to be very involved in the public discourse in the humanities, but it seems sometime in the 20th century, there was such a retreat away from that area of study that it's dominated by other ideologies today. Would love to hear his thoughts on more issues.

[@patricksawyer6213]

Very kind of you to say. Strongly appreciate it.

[@insightdesignusa]

I believe Neil understates the threat of critical theory. For example, Google “government equity“. Equity is being pumped, fused, financed into every aspect of American life by the largest administrative state in the world. Equity is oppositional to meritocracy, individual rights, and even the heroes journey which all find their seed in Christ. Equity inverts American cultures hierarchy of value to put the most competent at the bottom and the most victimized at the top. It literally turns our moral hierarchy upside down that’s why equity is the road to hell on earth and in here. 7:35

[@horridhenry9920]

Very interesting. Nuanced and balanced analysis of critical theory ( CT). As an atheist, I am interested in the “intersection “ of critical theory and Christianity. I have not read the book, it is not released until October, so I do not want to straw man the authors. However, I am looking forward to reading how they address what I consider to be some of the most egregious passages in the Bible concerning Tribalism and homosexuality. Whilst equality non discrimination, and human rights are nice concepts, they are unachievable ideals. The reality is that there is no equality, we have to discriminate, whether it’s fair or not is another matter, and there is no human rights, just temporary privilege’s . The Israelites believed they were Gods chosen people. God freed them from slavery, and assisted them in the battles with the nations around them. There were different rules for the nation of Israel regarding how they treated each other and how they treated their neighbours. The Bible was used both to enslave and to emancipate. It has principles of love and principles of hate.

[@glennsimonsen8421]

Yes, the Bible was used to support slavery in the past. No, the Bible does not proscribe principles of hate. Because Soloman had 700 wives and 300 concubines some people will say the Bible supports polygamy. But no, the narrative depicts Soloman's behavior but God did not bless his behavior. His many wives brought him ruin. The same with the worldwide culture of slavery (indentured servants). This was Mesopotamian culture which was routine, but not blessed by God. God was impartial with justice towards the Israelites. Many times they were punished by God for not following his commands.

[@horridhenry9920]

@@glennsimonsen8421 Do you think advocating the destruction of entire people group hateful? What about flooding the entire earth? If the Bible did not support polygamy, why did God give David Saul’s wives and concubines? In Leviticus 25:44-46, God tells the Israelites where to buy their slaves, that slaves can be their property for life, and inherited by their children. It also tells them not to treat their fellow Israelites that way. So much for impartial justice. The twisting that has to occur to make the Bible fit to our modern concepts of morality and justice, is off the charts.

[@aceyirl]

One thing that has to be mentioned also is the absolute cynicism behind all of the actions taken for power. Assuming that this utopian equilibrium dream even comes to arrive, that power will never be ceded.

[@Krillian777]

It would have been helpful to hear a definition of "woke ideology" to hopefully parse out any potential distinctions of its ideas with that of Critical Social Theory. From my understanding, I do feel that woke ideology flows downstream from Critical Social Theory, but I don't think there are really any distinctions. Woke, similar to the Matrix, represents being "awakened" to the power structures in place that were once invisible to the individual's perceptions. But all of that falls directly in line with the power ideology underlying Critical Social Theory that they discussed at the very beginning. To be woke, is to be consistently alert to where abuses of hegemonic power are in play and be actively addressed (cancelled). But within woke ideology, it's never a question of "if" there is an abuse of hegemonic power. The abuse of hegemonic power is presumed up front in all interactions and situations- It's all about identifying it, bringing it to light, and destroying it. Can you imagine how cynical and anxious you'd be if you embraced this central concept of woke ideology as part of your everyday life? It's incredibly toxic individually and socially. Just like "The Nothing" in "The Never-ending Story" it eats up everything in its path.

[@Krillian777]

And I'm just getting a little further into the video. They never really define "cultural Marxism" and how its consistent with traditional Critical Theory and current Critical Social Theories, and yet how it's being manipulated in a way now that's inconsistent with Marx and those critical ideological strains that followed. That's important b/c I want to use these terms in their proper context and I'm not sure I follow, in the general sense, how traditional CT and later CT social theories aren't precisely a form of Cultural Marxism. I'll probably get the book :)

[@HiVizJoe]

Many ppl of a lighter skin tone and who are considered white in modern American society like the Irish and the Italians and the Jews have historically been oppressed so to assume that just because a person has a lighter skin tone that their ancestors weren’t oppressed is very wrong

[@yblackie]

To be fair, much of the theory refers to present reality, not historical realities. True, historically, race hasn't always been purely based on skin color, hence anti-Italian, anti-Irish, antisemitic discrimination but even in many of those cases, other people e.g. Chinese, Black's were still below other immigrants

[@HiVizJoe]

Anti semitism has been a universal reality in most places that my ppl have sojourned in for thousands of years whereas the black experience with prejudice has been primarily in the USA from colonial times in the early 17th century until the mid 20th century and somewhat less in the British empire from the 17th century until the 20th century so historically there has been much more anti semitism in many more societies and it still exists today especially among some on the left who hold to anti Israel views and portray Israel as the oppressor and the Palestinian Arabs as the oppressed even though the real oppressors of the Palestinians are the PLO and Hamas and Hezbollah who use them as their pawns to attack Israel and then the left calls Israel a bully when we defend ourselves

[@yblackie]

Good, balanced video. But what has the Blue's Clues weirdness got to do with Critical Theory? If Dr Cleveland abandons Christianity due to CRT, what makes that a good example of Critical Theory but not others who promote Chrisitanity while also accommodating CRT?

[@maryloulongenbaugh7069]

I listen but really do not understand this. My litmus test for understanding something is, how well can I explain this to someone else. Often the oppression and lack of opportunity are in direct connection to government and employment policies. The flaws I see is the victim mentality and narcissism which is unhealthy for anyone.

[@davidfletcher369]

Wow, what a complex and wonderfully arbitrary way to make a people completely ungovernable and resentful at the same time. Regressive doesn't begin to cover how self destructive this is.

[@michaelpcoffee]

The only real justice is impartial justice.

[@Tanengtiong]

The simple narratives about Nicodemus defended Jesus Christ involved atleast 5 aspects of the theory of justice.

[@justintan1198]

👍

[@veritas4freedom]

also why do capitalistic corporation encourage and foster such ideas if some of the foundational concepts are rooted in communist (marxism) values? seems odd. why do they even become activists or control the narrative on their platform(for social media)?

[@abelincoln8885]

Capitalism, Socialism, Communism ...and even Christian denominations ... are Humanist ideologies. World History .. is simply ... Man vs God. And God ... gave Man ... the Bible in Hebrew, Aramaic & Greek ... to show what you should & shouldn't do. You either follow & do God's will ... or ... Man. So anything man-made will either be for or against God =, The Four major world religions are: 1. Christianity ( a sect of Judaism) 2. Islam ( violet sex cult following the moon god allah & his prophet 3. Himduism 4. Atheism/Humanism(following Man's theories, ideologies) This is why this is really about God vs Man especially when every Christian denomination is man-made and with their own interpretations of the Bible. BTW. The Funciton,, Intelligenc, Mind & Information Categories ... prove .. the Universe is a Natural Function composed of space, time, matter, energy & Laws of Nature .. and can only be made by an infinite, timeless unnatural intelligence due to the information every Fnction possesses to exist & to funciton. Everything is information ... from a surrounding Mind.

[@eliara-thevoice8430]

Just a guess....but it appears certain shadow government groups are paying corporations to adopt such philosophies. It seems insane....but it's also insane to think that Bud Light corporate thought Dylan Mulvaney would help them sell more beer. There is clearly another agenda running, and it appears to be sinister and tied to the gender confusion agenda.

[@SherryApanay-oi9bw]

Let’s be clear to NOT conflate equality with equity. They are not the same. equity is not a biblical principle

[@insightdesignusa]

Do you know the reach of critical race theory or critical theory? All you have to do is Google government equity. or Google DEI consultancy. 1:15:37

[@insightdesignusa]

Lived experiences is a catastrophic component of critical theory and all its derivatives. Lift experience is subjective truth. That’s why they can’t tell you what a woman is except for someone who identifies as a woman. But more than that live experience is a counter to oppressive postmodernist power knowledge. Because the status quo of knowledge “truth“ is oppressive. Therefore, critical theory incites and evolutionary progression to be as oppositional to the status quo as possible. The more bias and extreme a practitioner of critical theory can be the better. One cannot be friendly, discuss, give the benefit of the doubt to their oppressor. Classical liberalism believes in a neutral position of discussion and an objective truth that both parties in a discussion are searching for. Critical theory believes that is oppression so it wants to be the opposite. It wants to be as bias and political as possible. It was conceived in opposition of classical liberalism and Christianity. There is no middle ground. The only middle ground is to treat people with love and compassion genuinely while stating absolute opposition clearly and concisely. 1:00:58

[@marcospou6541]

We can’t deny that America has a racism problem coming from way back in its history.

[@Ryktheman]

@sean I hear all that was said here, I believe some is miss understood (like no part of critical race theory says you must accept all theories or none at all) but I challenge you to ask, how is this different than Trumpism? I believe there are all sorts of Idolatry that nears religion for which to be concerned about.

[@Ryktheman]

But thank you for the conversation and your perspective, truly appreciate you

[@SeanMcDowell]

Thanks for watching! They do document this claim extensively in the book. CRT is not a system meant to be taken in part.

[@user-bz2wm4ks6y]

@@SeanMcDowell But what is to stop us from learning what's good (and becoming better people for it) and rejecting what's bad?

[@av8r619]

@@user-bz2wm4ks6y To see anything redeeming in CRT I’d really have to set aside my biblical worldview. CRT’s solutions are 1, every non-POC has to view themselves as an oppressor bearing generational guilt based on something as superficial as common skin color with ancestors that may or may not have oppressed others; and 2, paying penance in one form or another for someone else’s sins is the remedy and no one can say how much penance for how long until the debt is paid. The implications are the price Christ paid on the cross was insufficient…incomplete atonement. Contrast that with the counter cultural biblical prescriptions which are actually to forgive and, hard as it may be, love and pray for one’s enemies. The sin debt was paid by Christ. We who believe are unified in Christ. It’s done. “It is finished.” CRT subtly distorts the gospel. It has tickled the ears of the uber-feelers, marginalized the theologically concerned as “unenlightened,”and opened the door to heretical teaching in the church. It’s the fox in the henhouse and has to be discredited, removed and utterly destroyed.

[@Y2KMillenniumBug]

What's my name. Without a name do you think it's important enough to get my name out??

[@bnjmnwst]

49:48 I don't believe this is a profitable exercise. Any little bit of truth within these ideologies are available to us without the attached ideology. These ideologies, as whole worldviews, are so egregious, they should not give them any quarter. We can, & should, be aware of the issues & we should address injustice, but we should do so from a standpoint of truth, to the best of our ability.

[@dadsonworldwide3238]

Environment and everyone else is to blame for my sin,poverty, etc etc Hitler youth was trained under this . And sadly Frankfurt school is now living on in Brookings institute

[@brendapiercey3327]

This is very helpful, thank you! One question I have had; is CT only applied to western cultures and if so, why? I have never heard any discussion around how discrimination and prejudice are present in all societies, for example China or Saudi Arabia or Iran or Nigeria. It seems that white humans are being shamed for failings that are human problems across the racial board and that seems discriminatory.

[@veritas4freedom]

in their quest of power balance, critical theorists seem to go above and beyond until the situation flips over itself as they become the oppressors (or maybe it's the application of woke theory/cancel instead of solely CT or a mix?). why? moreover it's seems that power has become the end game instead of the people. why ? the question has to why people follow this blindly is important for christians. except for the social media trend (clicks and likes) there is probably a deeper need that is unmet by Christians. have we failed to render God's justice on earth? God s love for our neighbour? or are they simply seeking to satisfy their sinful nature? (maybe both)

[@hrvad]

"Lived experience" is tricky. Have you noticed that it's only their experience that qualifies, while anything you have experienced is irrelevant? That's because they're really talking about Critical Consciousness. And ONLY the oppressed can have that according to the Marxists views. Only the experiences of the oppressed result in the very special gnosis they have into the most foundational structure of existence. So never use it for yourself, don't play into their BS. Here, as with most of their words, they don't mean what you think. You share vocabulary with them, but not dictionary definitions. The basic, pervasive truth here is that deception lies at the root of what they do. Guess they're into the Prince of Lies that way.

[@TheScholar82]

I respectfully submit that the overwhelming majority of voices that have contributed to this conversation have been Caucasian. Many Christians of color have a very unique perspective on this issue. I would implore you as a brother to invite Christian scholars of color and marginalized experience to join this discussion. Many Christians of color, particularly African-Americans, view the urgent warnings against Critical Theory/CRT/"Wokeism" within the Evangelical church as the demonization and diminishing of godly prophetic voices that are calling out injustices in both the Church and the world.

[@pammichel8314]

I respectfully submit that you did not listen to what these scholars had to say, nor have you looked at their extensively documented book. I would encourage you to seek out & speak to black Christians of influence who disagree with your insinuation that there is Biblical justification to view the practice of Christianity through the lens of skin color. Is there a compelling reason people of color should buy in to the ideologies of the white German antisemitic Marxists who brought critical theory to the USA as opposed to these Christian scholars who also happen to be white?

[@TheScholar82]

@pammichel8314 I actually did listen, and I have been listening to them, Sean McDowell, Alisia Childers, Voddie Baucham, and others for nearly three years. I do not come to the conversation uninformed. However, I wonder if they, and people who hold this view, understand that there are faithful Christians who love Jesus wholeheartedly and seek to obey God's Word that disagree with them. We believe that justice and equity are biblical concepts, not liberal ones rooted in Critical Theory. We believe that loving one's neighbor, caring for orphans, widows, immigrants, and the poor are Scriptural commands, not Marxist ideologies. We believe that BOTH broken and sinful people AND broken and sinful systems NEED salvation. My previous statement does not discard the scholarship of Mr. McDowell's guests. It invites them and Mr. McDowell to hear from and have conversations with people who have a different perspective on this issue. And yes, many people who have a different view are people of color and people of marginalized experience.

[@pammichel8314]

If you've listened as you say, then I apologize. Perhaps listen again carefully & look at their book. I believe your question of whether Dr. Sawyer & Dr. Shenvi have heard from & conversed with those who have different opinions will be answered. In fact, these differing voices are the very basis for their research. Of course, justice & equity are Biblical concepts & we are commanded as followers of Christ to love our neighbors. It is the definition of these concepts & how scripture instructs us to achieve them that is being debated. Scripture does not require the lens of man-made critical theories to be overlayed on top of it in order to be properly interpreted. This conversation & the book being discussed is largely about the problems that occur when Christians try & meld concepts from CRT with a historic Biblical worldview. I would ask if YOU understand that there are faithful Christians who love Christ wholeheartedly and seek to obey God's Word, some who are of color, who disagree with your view? That is the very conversation being addressed here. As brothers & sisters in Christ, God doesn't view us through different lenses. We need to be able to discuss these things without becoming divided. BTW, I have also been learning over the last 3 years or so from the others you mention. Neil Shenvi has a fantastic website full of resources & discussions. Some newer voices having the conversation are Monique Duson at Center for Biblical Unity & also her friend, Kevin Briggins. I hope you'll engage with those folks as well.

[@TheScholar82]

Will do! Good talk. I think this type of discourse is healthy. In the end, we may have to agree to disagree on some things. However, we should still be able to find and stand on the common ground of Christ's identity, love, and power. Have a great day!

[@philipdwyer1392]

Could you possibly give me a biblical reference that states that people with different skin color should be listened to over another?

[@insightdesignusa]

… And critical theory despises the Bible and Christian morals. That is what oppresses them.

[@gmandofgod]

Do you have this same standard of just preaching the Gospel when it comes to activists who picket abortion clinics?

[@bnjmnwst]

Guys... You're using their language. You're accepting their premises. We'll not defeat these incorrect ideas by buying partially into them. We can't play the game by their rules. This is not a game.

[@dc_swamp_thing_7736]

I noticed that as well. The question that was posed "name me one positive about CRT" was a hot mess. Using race or how you look as a filter through which to process all of life and to frame it as oppressor and oppressed is pure evil and will divide and destroy this country.

[@insightdesignusa]

Critical theory and Christianity are oppositional. 1:13:22

[@Unconskep]

I supernatural God is also deeply flawed

[@insightdesignusa]

Critical theory offers aggression and destruction dressed up in a wardrobe of righteousness, belonging and feeling loved and justified retaliation towards those who excluded, degraded or harmed you. 54:19

[@markmckeen5124]

As a 67 yr old white married Male living in Michigan I Found this discussion outrageous. Since being introduced to Critical Theory, I've realized what a privileged and easy life I've been able to live. Regarding Race, it didn't surprise me that Shenvi never brought up MLB and the history of racism there, or the fact that white people never have to have "The Talk" with their kids on how to react to Police when being pulled over so they don't get murdered. So many other things were said that I found truly sickening. If you just listen to Shenvi's last summary wrap up, it should blow your mind. Paraphrasing. He says if you follow Critical theory, you'll come up with all these good ideas on how to make our world a better place. Don't do that. Just become Christian's and everything else will take care of itself. Wow. Really? Sean, do better. This was a new low for you.

[@nethrelm]

"or the fact that white people never have to have "The Talk" with their kids on how to react to Police when being pulled over so they don't get murdered" This is blatantly false on multiple levels. Just because your parents never talked to you about how to interact with the police doesn't mean other white parents didn't/don't. All you are saying in your reactionary diatribe is that your parents neglected to teach you something important. In other words, you had bad parents. That's not privilege, that's a disadvantage. Police are a potential threat to every single person, no matter their race, or wealth, or whatever other arbitrary category you want to divide people into. On another level, it is also false because not every single black parent has "the talk" with their children either. Some do and some don't, just like white parents. Bad parenting knows no skin color. You are doing exactly what white supremacists do: you are taking your personal anecdotal experience and generalizing it to all white people and simultaneously you are also taking the experiences of some black people and generalizing those to all black people. That is racism, sir. You are the one who needs to "do better", Mr. White Savior Complex. There is only one Savior, and He isn't you, and thank God for that.

[@amymccoy504]

I’m white and my dad had that talk with me and I think every parent should have a talk about how to behave and respond and show respect when dealing with the police even if you are caught doing something or even if they are wrong.

[@nparksntx]

I’m white and my parents gave me warnings regarding cops. I had a cop act like an ass because I wouldn’t roll the window down all the way. My brother in law that looks white (he’s half Mexican) has been pulled over and harassed many times because the system had the wrong license plate number registered to a criminal. He almost was arrested because a rookie cop was a hothead and even had my sister in tears. They were 18 years old and had never even got in trouble in school.

[@markmckeen5124]

@@amymccoy504 But correct me if I'm wrong, I doubt that part of your talk, the Biggest part, was that: You're going to be pulled over at times, because you're Black. For reasons white people may not be pulled over for. If you respond in any way that the police deems suspicious, you could be shot and killed. So if you don't drive and respond perfectly Everytime, it could end very badly for you.

[@markmckeen5124]

@@nparksntx Understood. What is different in your story is that, If you'd been black and not rolled your window down all the way, you may have been shot and killed. Doubt that was even a possibility in your 2 cases.

[@williambranch4283]

Yes, it in new Marxism, direct from Nelson Mandela and Leon Trotsky.

[@janiceking6955]

I disagree with Dr. Shenvi 100% in his answer to whether you can call yourself a Christian and believe in critical race theory. Of course you most absolutely can! Is not believing in critical race theory a requirement for salvation? Be careful in what you say doctor. I understand your point of view but what you said is totally wrong.

[@av8r619]

Infused in CRT is the proposition that skin color equals guilt. Doing the “work” of anti-racism is how one atones for the sin of being white, thus Christ’s death on the cross atoned for most but not all sin. “Works” are required to atone for the sin of being white. Any ideology that suggests Christ’s atoning work was insufficient is teaching a false Christ and that salvation is to some degree dependent on the work we do. That’s cultic and is antithetical with biblical salvation. Shenvi is 100% correct. I liken saying CRT is compatible with Christianity to saying a Ouija Board is just a game. A Ouija Board isn’t just a game, it is a doorway to the occult.

[@janiceking6955]

@@av8r619 trying to understand your point, you stated any ideology that suggests Christ atoning work was insufficient is teaching a false Christ and that salvation is to some degree dependent on our works. But Dr Shenvi said if we agree with CRT we cannot be saved. So I don't see how he is correct in that point. Am I missing your point?

[@sherynngofa6175]

At 12 minutes, why is this a problem? Is not God the God of justice? Why is there so much fear about admitting our wrongs and repenting? That is the Christian:) way.

[@abelincoln8885]

God is not a racist, sexist, Liberal white Man and hypocrite Christians who owns black slaves & treats them like animals. God actually did created all People equal with inalienable rights including life, liberty & the pursuit of happiness ... all .... must follow & do God's will and be save from the death for sin ... or ... follow Man's ways, religions, politics, culture ideologies God gave Mankind the Bible in Hebrews, Aramaic & Greek ... to make the choice ... to follow God ... or .... Man. The Bible never says Christianst are to hate & kill Jews, divide into Prostestant, Catholic & Orthodox churches and hate & kill each other, .the white Race is the maser Race and you can treat human beings like animals & private property, .. and go throughout the world murdering, raping, pillaging, enslaving "In the name of Jesus." This is simply Man's will ... vs ... God's will. And God gave the simple plain text of the Bible .. of what Man ... should & should not ... think & do. God made it clear from the very beginning ... that if you do God's will you will life forever ... but if you .. break God's rules and do Man's will then you will die (body & soul). Make your choice. Man or God.

[@tomkeller6982]

5 minutes into this and I'm falling asleep. Somehow you've gotta do a better job in simplifying what you're explaining.

[@bnjmnwst]

Lived experience is grammatically incorrect, or logically incorrect, as it is redundant. All experience is lived. If you didnt live it, you did not experienced it. Experience & lived experience are the same thing, except one is correct & the other is incorrect. But I'm sure those rules are simply hegemonic & tyrannical.

[@jepprey4953]

I agree it is redundant but it is language borrowed from the critical theorist world view where one’s own “experience” is counted as the norm across all others “experiences”.

[@bnjmnwst]

@@jepprey4953 I understand, but I'm not at all comfortable allowing them to redefine words or modify language in any way.

[@hephep7426]

I grew up in the inner city where as a white european I was a minority and bullied by indegenous people but not other minority immigrants. Family was on welfare for a short time, single mother, a dysfunctional violent dad family. Mom was a christian and got us into chuch right away when we were freed from our violent dad. Thankfully addictions were not an issue. As a teacher my entire and current 30 year career has been on indegenous Reserves (Canada) I do not have the same freedoms of the rest of the province. I have no local voting rights as I am not a bamd member. I could be kicked out of the community at a moments notice. I know some people do not like a white woman in their community but that is the extreme minority. I do not particularly feel oppressed. I see the young people here growing up more hateful due to this DEI. I love where I live and the people and I see how they are systemically oppressed with democratic govt that keep them addicted to handouts and the evils of critical race theory. 🙏💕🙏💕🙏💕🙏💕🙏🙏🙏💕🙏🙏🙏

[@rabbitsrevenge1101]

Define Woke.

[@patricksawyer6213]

Two definitions. The first one is the older, original definition. The second is the current one. The attainment of a liberatory consciousness by Blacks, which is, an enlightened understanding of how society works dominated by Whites. Holding to cultural and political positions influenced and downstream from critical social theory, particularly Critical Race Theory and Queer theory.

[@royhiggins7270]

Christian: “God hears unbelievers and loves them” You: “WHATTT THIS IS A LITERAL HATE CRIME” The above reply is an example of the snide remarks I get on many occasions from my posts. And to try to get it through the thick skulls of christians I want to reiterate that I have never cared about what christians say or believe. What I do care about deeply is the tyranny, hypocrisy and sanctimony that is FORCED upon the majority of citizens in my naition. Why is America the only democratic nation where the majority of its citizens are ignored and demonized? If a christian has answer to this question I would be very interested. I believe it has to do solely with the lie of christ which are exactly like the lies of fox news. When it comes to universal health care the majority is ignored and we get a broken for profit system and are called communists. The majority of American's want common sense gun laws and we get bubkis. The majority of Americans want the same freedoms for the LBGT community that we all have...and christians fight against that! The majority of Americans want women to have bodily autonomy and theists fight to force raped 10 year old little girls to give birth...the very definition of tyranny. From banning books, deleting black history, demonizing the LBGT community and actively fighting to destroy what little election freedom we have as nation Christians have always supported tyranny. Because once you can believe in one delusion you can then be manipulated to support men like Trump and vote against your very own interests. The greatest issues that face our nation are caused by poverty and ignorance and christians vote overwhelming for those who do everything in the power to destroy our education system and created an economic system that only benefits the rich. So again tell us how much you love us...but quit forcing your specific delusions and hypocrisy upon the majority of Americans!

[@MrBowser2012]

So unless gay porn is available to kids in school, you're being oppressed?

[@royhiggins7270]

@@MrBowser2012 Nice gaslighting. But universal healthcare is more my speed. Funny where the christian mind goes. I think that topic says more about you than it does me.

[@MrBowser2012]

@@royhiggins7270 I live in Idaho where the progressives are all screaming about book banning because legislators are trying to make libraries keep gay porn in a section that kids can't access. Forgive me for not understanding that your rant about banning books, and LGBT issues was simply an effort to promote universal healthcare. lol

[@royhiggins7270]

@@MrBowser2012 Well since I did write specifically about how the majorities will on universal health is ignored you really have no excuse. By the way it is ok if you are gay. No judgement here.

[@carolynnunes3922]

The greatest issues facing us today is the crazy UNSECURED southern border! For the press secretary to say that Biden has done more than any other president in securing our borders is a complete lie. The Democrats are the ones ruining our country from the inside, NOT Christians!