The cultures which produced the Bible were collectivist, but most modern Western Christians are immersed in individualism. Biblical scholar and missionary, E. Randolph Richards says this causes many of us to misinterpret critical aspects of the Bible, or miss them altogether.
He talks with Skye about his latest book, “Misreading Scripture with Individualist Eyes.” Also this week—has a decline in religious authority caused a decline in empathy in America? And how did we go from expecting institutions to form us, to now expecting them to affirm us? Jerry Falwell Jr. is suing Liberty University for damaging his reputation. Plus, Christian’s surgery, itchy rashes, and swearing parrots.
https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/swearing-parrots-moved-park-scli-gbr-intl/index.html
https://religionnews.com/2020/10/06/new-book-explains-how-the-decline-of-religious-authority-led-to-the-end-of-empathy/
https://www.holypost.com/post/10-of-the-most-memorable-celebrity-interviews
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/we-used-to-ask-institutions-to-form-us-now-they-must-affirm-us/
Listening to episode 432, the Idol of Individualism. As you talk about the "institution" and the authority of the institution, one thing I missed hearing that I believes should play a part... is the damage and harm churches have caused. For divorced people, LGBTQ people, people that are seen as 'don't belong', etc. This certainly plays a part.
I also appreciated Christian's thoughts on individualism and wearing masks.... Christians not willing to lay down their 'rights' for the better...... yes!
This was a great episode! The way Dr. Richards explained grace and faith was so insightful and I will be looking at those words with a different perspective now.
What a timely discussion with Dr. Richards! Literally this morning I googled "holy post e randolph richards" to see if there had ever been a discussion with one of the authors of "Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes." Suffice it to say, I was pretty surprised to find it was the most recent episode! I'll credit the Thanksgiving holiday with not having listened to it yet.
This was all prompted because our church's sermon yesterday was on David's sin with Bathsheba, and his subsequent repentance prompted by Nathan. I reread the whole chapter on individualism/collectivism yesterday, and my wife and I had a long discussion about how many Biblical passages we misunderstand because of our cultural influences. I didn't even know…