Debunking the Myth of Secular Enlightenment: A Clash of Perspectives David Bentley Hart vs Terry Sanderson (Replay)

Unbelievable?

Premier Unbelievable?

Christianity, Religion & Spirituality

4.6 • 2.3K Ratings

🗓️ 2 April 2024

⏱️ 63 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

Today we delve into the contentious debate surrounding the role of secularism in Western civilization and its relationship with Christianity. A growing chorus of new atheist writers heralds the advent of an enlightened era of secular rationalism, purporting to liberate society from what they perceive as the shackles of outdated Christian influence. However, according to David Bentley Hart, acclaimed author of "Atheist Delusions: The Christian Revolution and its Fashionable Enemies," such claims amount to nothing more than an "atheist delusion." His book, which garnered the prestigious Michael Ramsey Prize for theological writing in 2011, challenges the narrative of secular triumphalism by revisiting the historical contributions of Christianity. On the opposing side, Terry Sanderson former President of the UK's National Secular Society contends that contemporary society thrives under an increasingly secular framework, asserting that the freedoms and values we cherish are not contingent upon a Christian foundation. In this engaging dialogue, we see a clash of perspectives as David argues that secular perspectives are rooted in a misguided myth of secular "progress." By examining the intertwined histories of Christianity and secularism, David presents a compelling case that challenges prevailing notions of societal evolution. This episode originally aired on: 25 June 2011 Subscribe to Unbelievable? podcast: https://pod.link/267142101 on your preferred platform to never miss an episode, and join the conversation as we explore the nuances of belief, skepticism, and the evolving landscape of modern thought. • More shows, free eBook & newsletter: https://premierunbelievable.com • For live events: http://www.unbelievable.live • For online learning: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/coures • Support us in the USA: http://www.premierinsight.org/unbelievableshow • Support us in the rest of the world: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/donate

Transcript

Click on a timestamp to play from that location

0:00.0	This episode is brought to you in partnership with our friends at Green Pastures.
0:03.6	For 25 years Green Pastures has been enabling local Christian ministries to house and support the homeless across the UK,
0:10.1	funded by everyday investors who lent some of their savings to help buy homes for those in need.
0:15.0	Listen out for more information about green pastures during the show and head to
0:19.0	green pastures.co.uk to find out how you can make a difference. Hello and welcome to another unbelievable classic replay. I'm with Jackson and this week
0:45.8	we're delving back into the archives to bring you a discussion on the question.
0:49.7	Is the post-Christian age of secular enlightenment simply an atheist delusion?
0:55.6	Let's jump in on today's discussion.
0:58.6	Well on the program today I'm pleased to be joined by to eminent guests David Bentley Hart is an author, a theologian, a philosopher, and a cultural commentator, and recently won the Michael Ramsey Prize for Theological Writing at the Hay Festival here in the UK
1:15.1	but he's from the States himself and the book that he won that for is
1:18.6	atheist delusions and the subtitle of which is The Christian Revolution and its fashionable enemies.
1:25.6	We'll be hearing about David and about why he wrote that book very shortly.
1:30.0	In conversation though today with David is Terry Sanderson,
1:32.5	spokesperson for the UK's National Secular Society.
1:36.2	And today they're going to be looking at the subject,
1:38.4	is the post-Christian age of secular enlightenment
1:41.8	an atheist delusion? That's what we're going to be asking today
1:45.0	as we get into today's show. Hope you enjoy it as much as I'm going to and we'll be
1:49.3	giving you ways to get in touch a little later. Well gentlemen thank you both for being with me on the program today, and perhaps as a newcomer
1:57.4	to the show, it would be good to put first of all to you, David.
2:01.1	Congratulations, by the way, on winning this prize. Were you
2:04.6	surprised to be nominated? Were you surprised to win it? Well yes,
	...

Please login to see the full transcript.

Previous episode | Next episode

Disclaimer: The podcast and artwork embedded on this page are from Premier Unbelievable?, and are the property of its owner and not affiliated with or endorsed by Tapesearch.

Generated transcripts are the property of Premier Unbelievable? and are distributed freely under the Fair Use doctrine. Transcripts generated by Tapesearch are not guaranteed to be accurate.