Welcome to the first edition of my Weekly Digest. This week, I’m introducing you to Aaron Renn and his “Three Worlds” framework. If you like what you read, you can find more of his work right here on Substack.
The Three Worlds of Evangelicalism
Aaron Renn argues that the perception of Evangelicalism in American society can be divided into three distinct worlds.
Positive world (Pre 1994): Christianity is seen as beneficial to society and Christians experience increased social status because of their faith.
Neutral world (1994-2014): Christianity is neither positive nor negative. Instead, it is seen as a valid choice among competing faiths.
Negative world (2015-present): Christianity is viewed negatively, and, in some cases, Christians are even seen as threats to American society.
Renn provides a brief history of how the Church and conservatives have responded in each of these worlds. I won't recap that here, but I strongly encourage you to read it.
The Future Is In Doubt
Here's why I want to share this article with you:
"Evangelicalism is in flux, and its future as a coherent movement is in doubt. In part, this crisis has resulted from the failure of evangelicalism to develop strategies designed for the negative world in which Christians are a moral minority and secular society is actively hostile to the faith. The previous strategies are not adequate to today’s realities and are being deformed under the pressures of the negative world." Aaron Renn in First Things
I've heard about "the moral majority" my whole life. If the moral majority still exists, they should start acting like it. But if those days are gone, as Renn argues, we must develop strategies for the future.
What Can You Do About It?
Renn gives broad suggestions in his essay, but I've got my own spin on his strategies. I don't have all the answers, but I hope these ideas will get you thinking.
1. Read and apply your Bible.
Stop passively reading your Bible. Slow down and think about the meaning of what you read. Here's an example: Titus 3:8 says those who have believed in God should be careful to devote themselves to good works.
What does it mean to devote yourself to good works? How does the rest of Scripture define "good?" The point is to stop reading Scripture just for vague platitudes and useless feel good-ism. You can start doing this by journaling what you've read. What is the context of a passage? What is the author communicating? How does that apply to you? When you engage the text and then pray, the Holy Spirit leads you to respond.
2. Build churches and communities.
Nobody does this perfectly, but that doesn't negate its importance. My wife and I are extremely blessed by just one of the communities within our church. If you told me a year ago we'd be babysitting the one-year-old twins our friends are fostering, I wouldn't believe you. But here we are. I'm not saying that changes the world, but it does strengthen a community. Small things add up.
3. Stop outsourcing your thinking.
Study things that challenge your assumptions. Learn where your convictions originated. What do you believe? Why do you believe it? Why does it matter? Renn wants you to stop learning everything from talking heads on TV, but the principle applies to more than politics.
4. Learn new skills.
Are there skills that would make you more effective in God's calling for your life? Identify them and then develop them.
What can you build to honor God? Right now, this means I'm learning to write every week because I view it as part of my calling. You'll have a different answer, but the purpose is the same. Use your skills, or learn new ones, to honor God.
When everyone starts doing things like this in their own lives, we develop better strategies for the negative world that actually impact the culture.
You can read Aaron Renn’s full essay HERE at First Things. I hope you’ll check it out!
Something Lighthearted
Presented without comment, this. I'm confident the CFP committee feels the same way...