This paper is aimed at discussing the book Rethinking Christ and Culture: A Post-Christendom Perspective written by Craig Carter. This work is important for analyzing the role that religion should play in the contemporary society.
One of the points that the author makes is that Christian organizations should not separate themselves from the world of politics in order to maintain their moral integrity. Moreover, religion should not be viewed as the main agent that dominates culture since this policy can undermine the credibility of the church.
Thus, it is critical to examine the strengths and weaknesses of the arguments expressed in this book. On the whole, one can argue that Craig Carter successfully identifies the most important problems that religious institutions should address in order to maintain their ethical integrity. By using Biblical and historical examples, the author demonstrates that contemporary views on religion should be re-evaluated.
It should be noted that Craig Carter critiques the ideas expressed by Helmut Niebuhr. This theologian argues the development of Western civilization and culture has been shaped primarily by Christian thought (Niebuhr 7). Thus, religion can be regarded as the agent of transformation.
These arguments are based on the premise that the representatives of various social or political institutions perceive themselves primarily as Christians. This is one of the assumptions that Craig Carter wants to question. From his standpoint, Niebuhr’ theory is not relevant to the modern community. Moreover, it contradicts the principles that are outlined in the Bible. These are the most important elements of Craig Carter’s book.
First of all, this author rejects the notion of Christendom or Western civilization that has “a religious arm (the church) and a secular arm (civil government) both of which are united in their adherence to Christian faith, which is seen as the “soul” of Europe, or the West” (Carter 14).
This is the main notion that Craig Carter wants to examine in a critical way. The writer makes several points in order to show that this notion is not acceptable. He mentions that the ideas expressed in the gospels are “countercultural, nonviolent, and subversive of empire” (Carter 20). In turn, the very idea of Christendom implies that the followers of Jesus try to become of a part of the empire (Carter 20). This is one of the details that can be identified.
Furthermore, the writer believes that Christian Church should adopt new roles in the modern society. In particular, this institution should not associate itself with the government because this association implies that the church legitimizes the coercive violence that the government can perpetrate (Carter 105).
Therefore, it is necessary to “draw visible between the church and the world” (Carter 105). In this way, religious organizations will be able to safeguard themselves against decisions that cannot be ethically acceptable. For instance, one can mention the encouragement of the Crusades or even the justification of slave labor in the United States (Carter 105). So, the writer wants Christians to re-evaluate the role of church in the world.
To a great extent, these ideas are supported by Chris Hedges. In particular, this writer points out that religious rhetoric often contributed to violence. For instance, the opposing sides often call each other “infidels” in order to justify the use of violence (Hedges 22). The main problem is that this rhetoric can often be condoned by religious leaders. Such actions can undermine the ethical reputation of the church. Thus, this involvement with political life can make people even more averse to religion. This is why this risk should not be overlooked.
Additionally, Craig Carter speaks about such as notion as post-Christendom world. Under such circumstance, the church should not act an institution which tries to change legal norms that people should follow. For instance, many religious organizations attempt to prohibit abortions. The main problem is that this policy can antagonize the church with people who do not want to accept the rules without any question.
Instead, religious organizations should identify what kind of behaviors can be acceptable for the followers of Jesus (Carter 105). This is one of the central ideas that this writer wants to express. The writer creates a very vivid metaphor which exemplifies the relations between modern religion and the state. In particular, the author speaks about people who “simultaneously confess both Jesus and Caesar as Lord” (Carter 115). In the post-Christendom world, people should clearly distinguish between these notions.
It has often been assumed that many the United States has always been only a Christian nation. Yet, some researchers believe that this argument is significantly exaggerated. For example, in his book, Richard Hughes notes that many American politicians advocated the idea of separating the church and the state (Hughes 22). This separation is critical for ensuring the individual liberties are not restricted. Thus, this author also can support Craig Carter’s views on the role of religion.
There are several strengths of this book. Among the positive aspects, one can mention the author’s analysis of Biblical examples which demonstrate that Christianity should not be turned into a civil religion. The author clearly shows that Jesus Christ did not want the religion to be a part of the state. This textual evidence is necessary for demonstrating that the very notion of Christendom runs against the notion of Jesus Christ.
Moreover, Craig Carter provides a detailed survey of the historical tendencies that affected the church. In particular, the writer shows how the ethical reputation of the church could be compromised because of its affiliation of the state. For instance, the author discusses the unification of the early Christians and the Roman Emperor Constantine (Carter 82). Overall, the author’s analysis is interesting and convincing. These are the main strengths that can be identified.
Yet, there are some limitations that should be considered. For example, the author does not take into account that religious rhetoric can simply be used by people who pursue their political or economic objects. These individuals may not be strongly affiliated with any church.
Therefore, one should not suppose that by separating itself from the state, the church can remain completely uninvolved in the social life. This is one of the risks that should not be overlooked. Furthermore, Craig Carter does not explain how religious organizations should change people’s views on the notion of Christendom. These are some of the limitations that should be taken into account.
On the whole, one can say that Craig Carter’s book raises thought-provoking questions about the development of the modern Christianity. The author attempts to identify the way in which religion should function in the modern society. In his opinion, religion should not serve the interests of the state. By examining Biblical examples and historical trends, the writer is able to show why the church should adjust to a new cultural environment.
Works Cited
Carter, Craig. Rethinking Christ and Culture: A Post-Christendom Perspective, New York: Brazos Press, 2007. Print.
Hedges, Chris. War is a Force that Gives Us Meaning, New York: Random House, 2002. Print.
Hughes, Richard. Myths America Lives by, Champaign: University of Illinois Press, 2004. Print.
Niebuhr, Helmut. Christ and Culture, New York: Harper & Brothers, 1956. Print.