Stu, Tim and Joel hosts dive into a discussion sparked by Stu's recent visit to Texas, where he observed the strong sense of identity, friendliness, and open expression of faith that characterises much of Texan culture. They compare this with Australian cultural values like egalitarianism and mateship, examining how national myths shape the way communities live and relate to one another.
From there, the conversation explores how Christianity functions as a movement rather than a rigid institution—one that adapts to cultural contexts while maintaining universal principles such as love for neighbour, kindness, and human dignity. The hosts discuss how these principles have historically contributed to the flourishing of societies and continue to do so today, often through everyday people rather than powerful institutions.
They touch on how Christians can thoughtfully engage in politics without being co-opted by partisan agendas, referencing thinkers like Christopher Watkin and historical figures like Dietrich Bonhoeffer to illustrate a balanced, gospel-centred approach. They finish with an encouragement from Stu to "get on the bus".
00:00 "God, family, and state"
10:28 Christianity and tolerance
19:31 The influence of Christianity on Western Civilisation
34:49 Christianity as a movement vs. institution
46:56 Political engagement, Bonhoeffer, diagonalisation
1:00:00 Get on the bus
DISCUSSED ON THIS EPISODE
The Years of Lyndon Johnson, by Robert Caro
We Are Repaganizing, by Louise Perry
Dominion, Tom Holland
The Book that Made Your World: How the Bible Created the Soul of Western Civilization, by Vishal Mangalwadi:
Preston SprinkleMichael Bird
Richard Dawkins says he's a cultural Christian
Jan Hus
The Quiet Revival: Gen Z leads rise in church attendanceBiblical Critical Theory, by Christopher Watkin
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