HOW SHOULD WE THEN LIVE
The Roman Age
Notes
The video discusses the flow of history and culture, arguing that it's based on people's thoughts and actions. It explores the dangers of societal breakdown and increasing authoritarianism and suggests looking to history for answers. The Roman Empire is presented as a case study.
I. The Roman Empire: Rise and Limitations
A. Expansion and Power:The Roman Empire was vast, with impressive infrastructure (roads, aqueducts) and military strength, spanning Europe, North Africa, and the Near East. Examples like the conquest of the Helvetians are given (Avenches/Aventicum in Switzerland).
B. Internal Weaknesses:Despite its greatness, Rome lacked answers to fundamental human problems. Military strength alone was insufficient.
C. Failed Foundations:
1. Republicanism/Elitism:Early attempts to build society on the consensus of citizens (the Republic) failed. The Senate couldn't maintain order; self-interest prevailed.
2. Roman Gods: The Romans turned to their gods (Diana, etc.), but these gods were finite, "amplified humanity," not true divinity. They couldn't provide a sufficient base for morality, values, or final decisions. The gods were a product of society and fell when society did.
D. Authoritarianism: In desperation, the Romans embraced authoritarianism (Julius Caesar, then Augustus).
Caesar became dictator for life.
Augustus, presented as a divinely appointed leader (Virgil's Aeneid), brought peace and stability, but demanded worship of the emperor and the spirit of Rome. This became obligatory.
Even with legal reforms and welfare programs, a "human god" was a weak foundation.
II. The Rise of Christianity
A. Opposition to Roman Culture: Becoming a Christian meant opposing not only Roman religion but the entire culture built upon it.
B. Persecution: Christians were persecuted (thrown to beasts in arenas, etc.) not simply for worshipping Jesus, but because they were seen as rebels against the state's demand for emperor worship. They refused syncretism (mixing religions).
C. Two Key Beliefs:
Jesus was the prophesied Messiah.
The Old Testament, the revelation in Christ, and the New Testament were God's word and truth.
D. Strength of the Christian Worldview: This gave Christians absolute, universal values by which to live and judge the state. They believed in the dignity and value of each individual as made in God's image. They worshipped one God only.
E. A Challenge to Totalitarianism: Christians possessed an absolute standard by which to judge the state, making them enemies of totalitarian Rome.
III. The Fall of Rome: Internal Decay
A. Gradual Decline: Even after Christianity became legal (313 AD) and the state religion (381 AD), the majority continued in their old ways.
B. Apathy: Apathy marked the period. Intellectual life declined, and art became decadent.
C. Economic Problems: The Roman economy suffered due to costly government and inflation. Authoritarianism increased, freedoms were lost (e.g., laws binding farmers to the land).
D. Internal Rottenness: Rome collapsed not from external forces but from internal weaknesses.
IV. Conclusion
A. Humanistic Foundations Fail: Nothing humanistic provides a strong enough base for society or individual life.
B. The Christian Alternative:Christians were able to resist the syncretism and breakdown of Roman culture because they began with the existence of an infinite, personal God who had spoken and revealed truth.
C. The Importance of a Sufficient Base: Cultures and individuals need a sufficient base (strong values, a solid worldview) to withstand pressure. Otherwise, they will collapse
Discussion Questions
Explain Schaeffer’s illustration of the little Roman bridge. What modern value systems or cultural trends could cause a collapse like the pressures on the little Roman bridge?
Why were the Roman gods an insufficient bis for society?
How did the Roman culture make it possible for Caesar to become a human god?
What caused the Christians to be labeled as rebels in the Roman society?
How does Roman culture compare to American culture?
What was the Christian’s response to the Roman culture? How does tat compare to that compare to the Christian’s response to today’s culture?
What does Schaeffer mean by the title “How Should We Then Live?”.
The Middle Ages
Notes
Main Idea: The video discusses how Christianity changed from the early church to the Middle Ages, covering aspects like art, music, lifestyle, and the importance of the Bible.
Early Church (up to around 6th Century):
Simple Beginnings: The early church was simple, meeting in homes in small groups (00:32, 01:24).
Focus on Scripture: They centered around singing, communion, and, most importantly, preaching the Bible as the absolute truth (01:24). The content of their faith, like Christ's resurrection, was key (03:15).
Art: Early Christian art depicted real people in a real world (03:15). There was vitality and a living faith.
Changes During the Middle Ages (roughly 5th-15th Centuries):
Artistic Shift: Art changed from depicting real people to using symbols, aiming for more spiritual values, but losing some realism (04:04).
Music:
Early church music moved away from Roman styles due to their connection with pagan practices (05:01).
Figures like Ambrose of Milan introduced hymn singing (05:01).
Later, Gregorian chant became popular – more impersonal and otherworldly (05:01).
Lifestyle & Materialism:
Early Christians were generous. However, in the Middle Ages, there were struggles with balancing worldly possessions (06:02).
The Papal court was criticized for being too materialistic (07:21).
Figures like Francis of Assisi emphasized poverty to avoid corruption (07:21).
Economics: The church tried to regulate the economy by limiting interest rates and promoting just prices. They valued honest work and provided charity for those who couldn't work (08:11).
Church & State:
In the early church, there was a clear difference between church and state. But in the Middle Ages, they became intertwined (10:06).
Europe was seen as "Christendom," where being baptized meant you were a full member of society (10:06).
Figures like Charlemagne supported the Pope and the church, and in return, the church legitimized his rule (12:37).
Cultural Advances:
Charlemagne's era saw a cultural revival. He encouraged scholars and learning (13:21).
The Carolingian minuscule script helped spread ideas (14:08).
Architecture advanced from Romanesque (with rounded arches and thick walls) to Gothic (with pointed arches and large windows) (14:57, 15:53).
Shift in Authority:
The early church based authority on the Bible alone (17:00).
In the Middle Ages, authority became divided between the Bible and the church (17:00).
Thomas Aquinas mixed biblical teachings with Greek philosophy, which led to questions about the necessity of the Bible (17:00, 18:06).
Emphasis shifted to earning salvation through good works, rather than solely through Christ's sacrifice (20:32).
Reaction and Reform:
Voices of Reform: People like John Wycliffe and John Huss emphasized the Bible as the supreme authority (21:15). They believed people should return to God through Christ alone.
Importance of Truth: The video concludes by emphasizing the importance of absolute truth from God, as found in the Bible, as opposed to relative truth based on human reasoning (22:10). This truth is essential for all areas of life. The early church's strength came from believing in the Bible as the infallible Word of God (23:29).
In essence, the video traces a path from a simple, Bible-centered early church to a more complex medieval church, highlighting both the cultural achievements and the theological challenges that arose during that time.
Discussion Questions
What were some of the ways the early Christian church established community?
What influence did the combination of church and state have on the Christian church?
What does Schaeffer mean by the “universals” and “particulars”? What is the consequence when one is considered apart from the others?
What was the subject matter of the art of the Middle Ages? Why was it a common focus?
How does Berlinghiero’s Madonna and Child represent the view of God and man in the Middle Ages?
Does the story or character of Beowulf exemplify the medieval view f God and man?
The Renaissance
Notes
Introduction (0:00-0:54)
The Renaissance is presented as a period of great art and a pivotal moment in human thought.
It marks a new era for humanism, leading to modern thought.
Role of the Artist (0:54-1:46)
Artists reflect their culture and often foreshadow future cultural shifts.
They exhibit the culture of their time and sometimes act as prophets of change.
Change in Florentine Painting (1:46-2:17)
Early Florentine painting resembled Byzantine art: flat, lacking depth, and unrealistic.
Giotto initiated radical change, introducing realism.
Giotto (2:17-3:36)
Commissioned to paint the Last Judgment.
He painted a realistic portrait of his patron, Enrico Scrovini.
Nature was given importance as God's creation and portrayed realistically.
However, proportions were sometimes off (people too large for their surroundings).
Giotto also designed the bell tower (Campanile) next to the Florence Cathedral.
Masaccio (3:36-4:42)
A friend of Brunelleschi.
Used real-life faces, adding a lifelike quality to his art.
His figures' feet were firmly planted on the ground, unlike earlier painters who depicted figures seemingly on tiptoe.
Central Perspective (4:42-5:19)
Masaccio consistently used central perspective, a step beyond Roman techniques.
This created a sense of realized space around the figures, placing man in the center of that space.
The space was subordinated to mathematical principles.
Jan van Eyck (5:19-6:43)
In Northern Europe, van Eyck addressed similar artistic problems.
His work in Saint Bavo Cathedral in Ghent, Belgium, depicted people from all social classes coming to Christ.
He emphasized the biblical view of Christ, portraying Him as the living Lamb of God.
Van Eyck mastered light and air and was a pioneer in landscape painting.
The Influence of Writers: Dante (6:43-7:58)
Writers and painters of the time shared similar visions.
Dante, whose house the speaker is in, is presented as an early example of genius.
Dante mixed Christian and classical elements in his Divine Comedy.
He placed Judas, Brutus, and Cassius as the greatest sinners.
Dante's Personal Dilemma (7:58-9:17)
Dante's life demonstrated the tension between individual desires and values.
He idealized his love for Beatrice but married another woman.
This reflected a division between idealized spiritual love and practical, physical relationships.
Brunelleschi (9:17-10:08)
Designed and built the dome of Florence, a feat of engineering and artistic triumph.
He was trained as a goldsmith, not an architect.
Designed the Foundling Hospital, considered the first Renaissance building.
Emphasis on the Artist (10:08-10:53)
Unlike the anonymous builders of Gothic cathedrals, Renaissance artists gained recognition.
Biographies, autobiographies, portraits, and self-portraits of artists became common.
The Turning Point: Humanism (10:53-11:46)
The Renaissance could have balanced nature and humanity, but it shifted towards placing man at the absolute center.
This opened the door to destructive humanism, influencing the Enlightenment and modern times.
Renaissance Music (11:46-13:12)
The art of orchestration was invented.
Each instrument played a different voice and melody line.
The north influenced the south in both painting and music.
String instruments were built in matched sets for uniform timber.
Music was printed with movable type for the first time.
Popular instruments included the lute, sackbut, viol, and crumhorn.
The Crossroads: God or Humanism (13:12-13:48)
A choice existed between emphasizing a God-made world with individual importance or humanism's focus on autonomous individuals.
Humanism cast the preceding era as the "Dark Ages" and saw the Renaissance as a rebirth of the Greco-Roman golden age.
Influence of Thomas Aquinas (13:48-14:19)
Aquinas's emphasis on Aristotle paved the way for Renaissance humanism.
Raphael's School of Athens (14:19-15:23)
Plato and Aristotle are central figures, representing different philosophical emphases.
Plato points upward, emphasizing absolutes and ideals.
Aristotle gestures downward, emphasizing individual things and nature.
The question arises: What is the meaning of individual things without a connection to an absolute?
The Dilemma of Humanism vs. Biblical Christianity (15:23-15:55)
The core question is whether to begin with autonomous man or with truth from an external, absolute source.
Humanism, without absolute truth, leads to statistical averages and the problems of the modern age.
Fuquet's Red Virgin (15:55-17:36)
Agnes Sorel, mistress of King Charles VII, was the model.
This challenged the traditional view of Mary as high and holy.
While portraying Mary as a real person had a good side, it also allowed the king's mistress to be depicted as Mary, eroding meaning.
This threatened not only religious values but all of knowledge and life.
Loss of Meaning (17:36-18:36)
Individual things were made autonomous, lacking an ultimate connection to provide meaning.
Michelangelo's Captives and David (18:36-19:22)
The Captives statues represent man's struggle to free himself.
David is seen as a personification of the humanist ideal, the greatness of man.
Michelangelo's Later Years (19:22-20:16)
There are signs that Michelangelo realized humanism was not enough.
In his Pieta in Florence, he may have depicted himself bending over Christ.
Leonardo da Vinci (20:16-23:19)
A true Renaissance man: mathematician, chemist, physicist, musician, architect, anatomist, botanist, mechanical engineer, and artist.
His anatomical studies were highly accurate.
He designed war machines and invented the ball bearing.
Leonardo understood the problem of modern man and anticipated the end of humanism.
He recognized that humanistic man, starting only with individual things, lacked unity and meaning.
He felt that beginning humanistically with mathematics, one is left with individual things and can never come to universals or to meaning; instead, one is left with mechanics and even man is viewed as a machine
He tried to capture the universals from the particulars he observed but failed.
The Failure of Humanism (23:19-24:02)
Leonardo felt the problem and struggled to find universals.
Humanism's cry of "I can do what I will, just give me till tomorrow" was proving false.
Leonardo saw the coming defeat of humanism.
Conclusion: The Need for Absolute Truth (24:02-25:13)
Humanism leads to pessimism and despair.
Beginning with the finite can never lead to the absolute.
The solution is to turn to the Bible as truth.
The Bible as Truth (25:13-end)
The Bible is presented as unchanging and relevant, addressing current issues while being rooted in the existence of an infinite, personal God.
It offers a solution for man's personal needs through the death of Christ
Discussion Questions
the renaissance is defined as a “re-birth.” What a was reborn?
What does the word “autonomous” mean?
> What is the effect when particulars are made autonomous?
> What impact did striving autonomy have on the artists of the renaissance?
What does Schaeffer mean when he says that “nature was given its proper place”?
> How does the biblical view of nature compare with the renaissance view of nature?
> Is nature given its proper place in the works of Van Eyck and Michelangelo?
What were the positive and negative aspects of the renaissance? How did Van Eyck, Michelangelo, and da Vinci demonstrate these aspects?
What is Humanism?
> Was the thinking really a rebirth?
> Is a rebirth in art likely to recur?
The Reformation
Notes
Definition: The Reformation was a break away from the churches of the Middle Ages, specifically the Roman Catholic Church.
Core Issue: It represented a rejection of humanistic elements that had infiltrated the church during the Middle Ages. The construction of St. Peter's Cathedral in Rome is mentioned in this context.
Salvation: The video emphasizes the reformers' belief that Jesus Christ's sacrifice already paid for salvation. They questioned the church's demand for further payments (indulgences) through works or rituals.
Conscience and Scripture: Reformers like Martin Luther asserted that neither the Pope, nor any council, nor any man has power over individual conscience and that Scripture holds ultimate authority. "A simple layman armed with Scripture is greater than the mightiest Pope without it."
Key Figures and Events
Martin Luther: Nailed his 95 Theses to the church door in Wittenberg. Translated the Bible into German, making it accessible to the common people.
Zwingli: Led a break with the Church of Rome.
John Calvin: The Geneva reformer, wrote his Institutes.
England's Break: England also broke with the Church of Rome.
Bible Translations: Luther's translation paved the way for translations into other languages. This allowed people to read and interpret the Bible for themselves.
Core Beliefs & Changes
Direct Access to God: The Bible revealed that individuals could come directly to God through faith in Christ's finished work.
Altar Screens Removed: Screens separating the congregation from the altar were often removed, and Bibles were placed prominently to symbolize open access to God through scripture.
Rejection of Image Worship: Reformers destroyed statues and pictures of saints and the Madonna, viewing them as obstacles between themselves and God, and rejecting the use of images as mediators.
Authority of Scripture: The Reformation rejected the idea that the church's authority was equal to or superseded the Bible's authority. They believed everyone should be able to read and interpret the Scripture.
Rejection of Works-Based Salvation: They refuted the addition of human works to Christ's finished work for salvation. The practice of indulgences is specifically criticized, "For as soon as the money clinks in the chest, a soul flies up to heavenly rest".
Rejection of Pagan Thought: The Reformation sought to purify Christian thought by rejecting the mixing of biblical teaching with pagan philosophy that had become prevalent since Thomas Aquinas.
Humanism vs. Reformation
Renaissance Humanism: The Renaissance, particularly in the south, was based on a humanistic ideal, placing man at the center of all things.
Erasmus's Role: Erasmus of Rotterdam advocated for moderate reform, and though he produced a Greek version of the New Testament that was used to translate the Bible into other languages, reformers like Farrell challenged Erasmus's Christian humanism.
Need for Divine Answers: The Reformation asserted that people needed God's answers (found in the Bible) for salvation, meaning of life, and moral guidance.
Key Principles
Sola Fide (Faith Alone): Salvation is received through faith, not through works or rituals.
Sola Scriptura (Scripture Alone): The Bible is the ultimate authority.
Impact & Legacy
Not a Golden Age: The Reformation was not perfect and had inconsistencies. Examples mentioned include Luther's stance on the peasant wars and a lack of zeal for spreading the Christian message globally.
New Door Opened: Despite inconsistencies, the Reformation opened a new door in religious matters, culture, and society by returning to biblical instruction.
Music: The Reformation had a direct impact on culture, with composers like Johann Sebastian Bach creating works rooted in biblical Christianity. Bach's work includes the abbreviation "S.D.G." (Soli Deo Gloria - To God alone be the glory).
Democratic Development: The government of the church by lay elders paved the way for further democratic development.
Dignity of Vocations: The Reformation emphasized that all honest vocations (merchant, housewife, king) had dignity because people are made in the image of God.
Understanding Human Nature: Reformation thought provided an explanation for both the greatness and cruelty in humans, based on the idea that man is both made in God's image but also fallen.
Art and Culture: Art was an intimate part of life. Artists like Lucas Cranach (a friend of Martin Luther) and Rembrandt produced works reflecting Reformation values.
Rembrandt: Artists like Rembrandt saw the value in God's creation and that nature was something to be enjoyed. He painted himself raising Christ upon the cross to show that his sins sent Christ there.
Lordship of Christ: Dutch thinkers believed in the Lordship of Christ over all of life.
Music in Worship: The congregation was allowed to approach God directly by singing. Martin Luther wrote the words to "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God."
Renaissance vs. Reformation (Freedom & Meaning)
Renaissance Freedom: The Renaissance introduced freedom, but in the south (without biblical grounding), it led to license. Humanism lacked a way to provide meaning for individual things or moral absolutes.
Reformation Freedom: In the north, the Reformation, grounded in Scripture, provided direction and a reason for freedom rooted in absolute values.
Psychological Slavery: The video highlights the "terrible psychological slavery" of having to "work one's way to God". The gospel, in contrast, offers freedom from this bondage.
Discussion Questions
What was happening in northern Europe as the High Renaissance was fading in southern Europe?
How did the Reformers define the relationship between the universal and the particulars?
Compare the Reformers’ view of man with the renaissance view of man.
Does John Bunyan’s work the Pilgrim’s Progress reflect the ideas of the reformation? If so, how?
The Revolutionary Age
Notes
Introduction (0:01-0:18)
The video begins in the old Supreme Court building of Switzerland in Lausanne.
A painting by Paul Robert (1905) depicts justice with the sword pointing down to the Bible, symbolizing the law of God as the foundation for law and morals.
The Reformation emphasized the Bible as the ultimate authority, leading to increased freedom from arbitrary governmental power for ordinary citizens.
Lex Rex: Law is King (0:18-0:37)
Samuel Rutherford's "Lex Rex" (1644) provided a basis for political control of the sovereign, establishing "law is king."
This concept promoted freedom with order, grounded in a concept of law derived from the Bible, rather than arbitrary rule.
Influence on the American Constitution (0:37-2:52)
Samuel Rutherford's work influenced the American Constitution, although his influence is now largely forgotten.
John Witherspoon (President of Princeton, signer of the Declaration of Independence) followed "Lex Rex."
Thomas Jefferson secularized this Christian teaching, drawing from John Locke's ideas of inalienable rights, government by consent, separation of powers, and the right to revolution.
Locke built upon the Reformation's base, albeit in a secularized form.
Form, Freedom, and the Fall of Man (2:52-4:22)
The Reformation provided a basis for form and freedom in society and government.
The Reformation emphasized the fall of man and the need for checks and balances due to the understanding that all men are sinners, especially those in power.
Checks and Balances (4:22-5:48)
Calvin's influence was moral and informal, not formalized authority.
Different Reformation countries adopted slightly different forms of checks and balances.
Switzerland geographically separates legislative/executive (Bern) and judiciary (Lausanne).
Great Britain: King, Parliament (two houses), and courts.
United States: White House (executive), Congress (legislative), Supreme Court (judiciary).
Reformation vs. Revolutions Without a Biblical Base (5:48-8:00)
Reformation countries found a solution to societal tensions, unlike countries without this base, which experienced bloody conflicts.
Voltaire noted that the English were able to limit the power of kings due to deliberate legal bounds, resulting in the bloodless revolution of 1688.
The French Revolution, lacking a Reformation base and instead using a humanist Enlightenment base, resulted in a bloodbath and authoritarian rule under Napoleon.
French Revolution's Humanist Base (8:00-9:29)
The French Declaration of the Rights of Man lacked a firm foundation.
Enlightenment thinkers like Voltaire had no basis beyond their own "finiteness."
The "Supreme Being" was equated with the sovereignty of the nation/general will.
The French revolutionary calendar (1792 as Year 1) aimed to destroy the past.
Rejection of Christianity (9:29-10:22)
Revolutionaries desecrated churches (e.g., Notre Dame in Paris) and proclaimed the "Goddess of Reason."
This symbolized the supremacy of human reason over Christianity.
The Terror and its Consequences (10:22-11:10)
The French Revolution led to the execution of 40,000 people, including many peasants.
Robespierre, a revolutionary leader, was himself executed.
These outcomes were attributed to the humanist Enlightenment base, which believed in the perfectibility of man and society, even amidst the terror.
Comparison of Revolutions (11:10-12:05)
The American Revolution is linked to the English bloodless revolution, while the French Revolution is linked to the Russian Revolution.
Napoleon's rise to power mirrors Lenin's later in Russia.
Impact of the Reformation (12:05-12:46)
Changes in Southern Europe borrowed from, and sometimes contorted, the freedoms brought forth by the Reformation in Northern Europe.
This stands in contrast to communist countries.
The Russian Revolution (12:46-13:39)
The initial break for freedom in Russia was made by Prince George Lavrov and Alexander Kerensky (not Lenin, Trotsky, Marx, or Stalin).
Lenin, Trotsky, and Stalin took over the revolution and established a repressive regime.
Repression Under Communism (13:39-14:21)
The Bolsheviks were a small minority and dispersed the Constituent Assembly by force.
The "temporary dictatorship of the proletariat" became a permanent dictatorship of a small elite.
Communist Repression (14:21-15:20)
Communism relies on internal repression (e.g., Lenin, Stalin's purges, the Berlin Wall, China).
Russia maintains control over its allies through repression (e.g., Czechoslovakia).
Reformation's Riches (15:20-16:09)
The freedoms brought forth by the Reformation in Northern Europe (contrasted with Southern Europe and communist countries) should not be minimized.
The biblical basis provided absolutes to combat injustice.
Humanism's Lack of Absolutes (16:09-16:48)
Humanism lacks a basis for absolute right and wrong, leading to arbitrary decisions in private and political life.
Without absolutes, laws can be changed for expediency.
Weaknesses in Reformation Countries (16:48-17:31)
Weaknesses developed over time in countries with a Reformation history, with people not always acting consistently with biblical teachings.
Today's Christians should act more consistently with biblical teachings.
Areas of Inconsistency (17:31-18:34)
Two major areas of inconsistency:
A twisted view of race (slavery and prejudice).
An uncompassionate use of accumulated wealth.
Slavery based on race was a blatant wrong, and racial prejudice continues.
Many indulged in the fiction that black people were not fully human.
Slavery and the Church's Silence (18:34-19:35)
Slavery continued to a late date, especially in the United States.
The Church did not speak out sufficiently against slavery and racial prejudice.
The Industrial Revolution (19:35-21:18)
The Industrial Revolution brought advancements (e.g., better goods).
However, the wealth was not always used with compassion, and the dignity of individuals was not always emphasized.
The Church was often silent on the compassionate use of wealth.
Exploitation and the Church's Role (21:18-22:12)
Slums grew, and workers faced long hours, with women and children especially exploited.
The Church should have spoken out against the cruel use of wealth.
The concept of "survival of the fittest" was accepted due to the Church's silence.
Utilitarianism (22:12-22:50)
The Church often did not speak out against utilitarianism (measuring ethics by usefulness).
Many who called themselves Christians were not truly Christian.
The Church, as an institution, did not take a clear stand when it had the voice to do so.
Individual Christians Who Made a Difference (22:50-24:25)
Many individual Christians fought for Christian teaching and against abuses.
John Wesley spoke against slavery.
John Newton (a former slave trader) became a Christian and opposed the trade.
Thomas Clarkson and William Wilberforce fought against slavery in England.
The slave trade was prohibited in England in 1807, and slavery itself was abolished in 1833.
Reformers in Britain (24:25-25:14)
John Howard worked for prison reform.
Elizabeth Fry showed compassion for prisoners.
Lord Shaftesbury fought against child exploitation in factories.
Revival and its Impact (25:14-26:07)
The preaching of George Whitefield and John Wesley revived biblical Christianity in Britain.
This inspired political, educational, and economic reform.
Without this influence, England might have experienced its own version of the French Revolution.
Conclusion (26:07-26:58)
The Reformation brought about significant improvements, including freedom without chaos, based on biblical teachings.
Biblical absolutes provided a basis for a consensus of values.
The Bible provides a base for law, allowing individuals to challenge the majority or those in power.
Discussion Questions
What does it mean to have “freedom without chaos”? How is this reflected in the Reformation? In the U.S. Constitution? In Scripture?
Compare the Reformation’s view of man to the Enlightenment’s view of man. Which view of man does the character of Robinson Crusoe Represent?
What was the relationship between God and man according to the Reformation? According to the Enlightenment? Is this something that can be communicated through art?
The Scientific Age
Notes
Galileo and Copernicus: (0:00-0:59)
Galileo's observations with the telescope challenged Aristotle's view of the universe.
The conflict between Galileo/Copernicus and the Church was mainly about Aristotelian ideas that had become part of Church teaching, not necessarily the Bible itself.
Copernicus stated that the Earth revolves around the Sun, not the other way around. Galileo defended this view.
Blaise Pascal: (01:40-02:15)
Invented the barometer by measuring mercury levels at different altitudes.
Pascal believed that humans were special because they could understand the stars and because of Christ's sacrifice.
Isaac Newton: (02:15-03:31)
Determined the speed of sound using echoes at Cambridge University.
Discovered gravity, the universal force of attraction.
His book, "Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy," was very influential.
Newton believed in a personal God who created the universe. He saw the Bible as a source of truth.
Francis Bacon: (04:07-04:42)
Stressed careful observation and systematic data collection to understand nature.
Bacon believed that the "Fall" of man impacted both innocence and dominion over creation. He thought religion/faith and arts/sciences could repair these losses.
Science had value before God and humankind.
The Role of Christianity: (04:42-07:13)
Early scientists saw their work as investigating God's creation.
Michael Faraday, a Christian physicist, shared scientific demonstrations.
The physical world was seen as an "open book" to explore, given order by God.
Even scientists who weren't consistently Christian were influenced by Christian thought.
Why Western Science Developed: (07:13-08:35)
Confidence in finding out about the universe came from the belief in a reasonable God who created it.
Joseph Needham noted that Chinese science didn't mature because it lacked the assurance of a rational divine being who created a readable "code" of nature.
The Christian base enabled modern science.
Views on Science and Christianity: (08:35-09:09)
J. Robert Oppenheimer said modern science was born out of the Christian life form.
Alfred North Whitehead called Christianity the "mother of science."
Relativity and Order: (09:09-10:19)
Einstein's theory of relativity doesn't mean everything is relative.
Einstein believed that light travels at a constant speed in a vacuum throughout the universe.
He opposed the idea of a random universe, stating, "I cannot believe that God plays dice with the cosmos."
Cause and Effect: (10:19-11:21)
The universe operates on cause and effect.
Even with complexity, the universe isn't random.
Open vs. Closed Universe: (11:21-12:30)
Early scientists with a Christian base saw the universe as "open" because God and humans aren't just parts of a cosmic machine.
Without the Christian base, mechanical laws were applied to humans and society, removing God, love, morals, and freedom.
The Dangers of Losing the Christian Foundation
Darwin and the Survival of the Fittest: (12:30-14:23)
Darwin's "Origin of Species" proposed that life evolved through survival of the fittest.
Critics argue that chance alone couldn't produce biological complexity in the available time.
The "survival of the fittest" concept, when taken to extremes, can remove restraints and lead to negative consequences.
Historical Consequences: (14:23-15:52)
The video suggests that the concept of the survival of the fittest contributed to 20th-century racism.
The Nazi movement arose in a society where biblical Christianity had declined and moral permissiveness prevailed.
Nazi leaders embraced the ethic of strength over weakness.
Modern Applications and Concerns: (15:52-17:46)
Some advocates of genetic engineering use "survival of the fittest" arguments.
The loss of Christian consensus can create a vacuum filled by an authoritarian state.
Manipulation by governments is a concern.
Changing definitions of death for organ transplants raise ethical questions.
Loss of Humanness: (17:46-18:18)
Without Christianity's absolute lines, the boundary between right and wrong blurs.
Moral "ought" becomes just what's accepted at the moment.
Moral and Ethical Dilemmas: (18:52-20:08)
Examples like artificial insemination and donor sperm raise questions about adultery and legitimacy.
Removing the concept of legitimacy weakens the family.
Genetic Engineering and Control: (20:08-21:20)
The acceptance of genetic engineering and control is growing.
B.F. Skinner's behaviorism suggests that society should condition people through positive reinforcement, raising concerns about freedom.
Science as a New Religion?: (21:20-23:06)
People blindly accept scientists' objectivity without realizing their views are shaped by their philosophy.
Conditioning, even if not as crude as in political prisons, can manipulate people.
Manipulation and Control: (23:06-24:54)
Technical breakthroughs have been used for manipulation.
Suggestions have been made to use chemical agents (super tranquilizers, birth control pills in water supplies) for social control.
Who Controls the Controllers?: (24:54-26:17)
The idea of psychological testing for public officials raises concerns about who controls those who dispense pills and conduct testing.
If humans are just conditioned machines, what is the value of continuing mankind?
Returning to the Christian Base: (26:17-27:21)
The difference between early scientists and modern views is a shift in philosophical outlook, away from the belief in a reasonable God.
The solution is to return to the early scientists' belief in a God who exists, speaks (through the Bible), and offers truth.
The Bible provides answers about the universe's origin, man's greatness (as made in God's image), and man's cruelty (due to turning away from God).
Discussion Questions
What as the relationship between Christianity and modern science in the Scientific Age? What is the relationship now?
Compare wisdom and intelligence. How o wisdom and intelligence affect one’s view of science?
What is the difference between what one “can do” and what one “should do” with regard to scientific discovery?
What is the difference between viewing g a man as a product to be measured and a soul a soul to be nurtured?
The Age of Non-Reason
Notes
I. The Failure of Humanistic Idealism
The Endless Search: Pre-18th-century non-Christian philosophers sought unified knowledge but constantly refuted each other's ideas, symbolized by drawing and crossing out circles.
Shift to Pessimism: The humanistic ideal (reason alone) failed, leading to pessimism and a rejection of unified answers. Instead, emphasis shifted to absolute individual freedom.
Bohemian Ideal: The hero became the individual who fought against all societal standards and restraints.
II. The Paradox of Freedom
Rousseau's Tyranny: Rousseau's concept of forcing individuals to obey the "general will" equates to tyranny, demonstrated by Robespierre's "Reign of Terror" during the French Revolution.
Gauguin's Disillusionment: Paul Gauguin's pursuit of freedom led him to Tahiti, where he found the "noble savage" ideal to be false, encountering death and cruelty instead. His philosophical work led him to the conclusion of death, sorrow, fate, and a cruel, unconquerable world.
Deification of Nature and its Consequences: Marquis de Sade's philosophy: If nature is all, then whatever happens is right. The strong can do whatever they want to the weak, leading to cruelty and the absence of morals or law.
III. The Incoherence of Total Freedom and Materialism
Contradictory Positions: The concept of total freedom clashes with the idea that everything, including man, is part of a large machine determined by reason alone.
Later Philosophers: Kant, Hegel, and Kierkegaard wrestled with unifying reason with meaning and values but failed.
IV. Existentialism and the Leap from Reason
Man as Machine: Humanistic man concludes he is merely a machine, negating significance, love, and freedom.
The Leap to Non-Reason: Modern man cannot live like a machine, leading to a "leap" away from reason to find meaning, opening the door to arbitrary beliefs.
Sartre's Authentication: Jean-Paul Sartre argued that one authenticates existence through acts of will, but this provides no basis for moral direction.
Jaspers and Heidegger: Karl Jaspers suggested finding meaning in experiences, while Martin Heidegger found it in "angst" (anxiety), a feeling that reveals existence and imposes a call for decision.
V. Modern Manifestations of Non-Rationality
Drugs: Aldous Huxley proposed drugs as a means to find truth within one's own head, abandoning objective truth.
Eastern Religions: The popularity of Eastern religions stems from the hope for non-rational meaning and values, fitting the existential methodology of seeking optimism outside of reason.
VI. The Vacuum Left by Liberal Theology
The Church's Failure: The speaker asserts the church is to blame for the current state, because liberal theology created a vacuum by embracing humanistic principles.
Religious Liberalism: An attempt to combine rationalism with Christianity, downplaying or denying the supernatural (e.g., the resurrection).
Albert Schweitzer: Schweitzer's "Quest of the Historical Jesus" failed because it tried to separate the historical Jesus from the supernatural events in the New Testament.
VII. Neo-Orthodoxy and the Death of God
Karl Barth: Barth accepted higher critical views of the Bible but sought religious experience from it, a theological form of existentialism.
The Bible as Truth vs. a "Trip": Two ways to read the Bible: 1) as just another religious experience, or 2) as truth.
The "God is Dead" Theology: If only the word "God" remains without certainty or content, then all content about God is considered dead.
Manipulation: Religious words are used for manipulation in areas like changing sexual ethics and political agendas.
VIII. The Christian Alternative
Christ's Substitutionary Death: Acceptance of Christ's sacrifice provides real life and a relationship with a personal God.
Christ as Prophet: Christ's teachings, aligned with the Bible, provide knowledge beyond human reason.
Discussion Questions
Compare the biblical view of man too Rousseau’s view of man.
> Philosophy
> Theology
What is the explanation for evil in the absence of Jesus Christ?
Compare Charles Darwin and Jena-Jacques Rousseau.
Does A Tale of Two Cities support Rousseau’s assertion that man is basically good?
How does Rousseau’s philosophy of man compare to Caesar’s philosophy of imperialistic rule?
The Age of Fragmentation
Notes
I. From Impressionism to Fragmentation
Impressionism: (Monet, Renoir, Pissarro) Aimed to capture what the eye sees, focusing on light and immediate perception. Monet pushed this to the point where reality became dreamlike.
Post-Impressionism: (Cézanne, Van Gogh, Gauguin, Seurat) These artists felt a loss of meaning in Impressionism and sought to find a deeper reality behind individual objects. They ultimately "failed" in restoring a sense of unity.
Cézanne: Reduced nature to basic geometric forms, attempting to find a universal connection. This resulted in a fragmented appearance. His "Bathers" exhibit vitality but portray humans in a fragmented way.
The transition from unity to fragmentation in art mirrored a similar shift in philosophy.
The speaker emphasizes that he is not diminishing the talent or sensitivity of these artists, but observing that their work reflects a fractured worldview.
II. The Birth of Modern Art
Kandinsky (1912): Argued that the loss of a unified knowledge system led to two options: extreme abstraction or extreme naturalism.
Picasso (1907): "Les Demoiselles d'Avignon" combined Cézanne's fragmentation with Gauguin's "noble savage" concept, using African masks. This reflects a fragmented world and a break from Renaissance humanism. Technique and worldview are united.
Picasso's private collection contained "prophecies of a ruined world."
However, Picasso painted loved ones (Olga, Jacqueline) realistically, without fragmentation, at key moments. He also did not employ fragmentation when painting his young children.
While modern art isn't devoid of humanity, its techniques increasingly fragmented it.
III. The Search for Unity and the Acceptance of Fragmentation
Old philosophers sought unity from a humanist base but eventually gave up.
Modern thought accepts fragmentation as a defeat, suggesting human reason alone cannot achieve unity.
Unity, in this context, means something encompassing all thought and life, achievable through divine revelation.
IV. Dadaism and the Absurdity of Everything
Dadaism: (Marcel Duchamp) Took chance to its logical conclusion, viewing everything, including humanity, as absurd.
Duchamp: "Nude Descending a Staircase" furthered fragmentation, with the human figure disappearing. He recognized the absurdity of art itself, creating "readymades" (signed ordinary objects).
V. The Role of Chance
Philosophers (Rousseau, Kant, Hegel, Kierkegaard) abandoned hope for unified life and knowledge.
Artists, being sensitive, grasped the implications of this fragmented view.
Jackson Pollock: Deliberately painted to express chance.
However, even in Pollock's work, order exists because the universe isn't truly random. The movement of the paint is governed by the order of the universe.
VI. The Influence on Music
Humanistic philosophy led to reason being associated with pessimism, and optimism with non-reason. This influenced art, classical music, and later pop music.
Beethoven's late quartets: A shift from previous music.
Debussy: Opened the door to fragmentation in music, influencing subsequent composers and forms like jazz and rock.
German composers (Wagner, Mahler, Schoenberg): Explored perpetual variation without resolution (12-tone row).
Stockhausen: Electronic music incorporating chance.
John Cage: Believed in a universe of chance, producing music through chance operations, resulting in what the speaker describes as "noise." Titled one composition "Music for Marcel Duchamp". Cage's theories did not match reality. His music had to become increasingly spectacular to maintain interest.
VII. The Contrast with Bach
Bach: A Christian who believed in resolution for individuals and history. His music, influenced by biblical teaching, exhibits diversity and resolution.
VIII. Modern Art: Philosophy or Art?
Modern art is questioned as to whether it is a bare philosophic/intellectual statement rather than a full work of art. It becomes anti-art.
IX. Fragmentation in Literature and Cinema
After philosophy, these ideas permeated art, music, poetry, the novel, and drama.
T.S. Eliot's "The Waste Land": Matches a fragmented message with a fragmented poetic form.
Later, Eliot became a Christian and his writing style changed.
Existentialist novels: (Sartre, Camus, de Beauvoir) Expressed philosophy through art.
1960s Cinema: Films (Bergman, Fellini, Antonioni, Buñuel) conveyed philosophical statements to a wider audience.
These films showed what it's like if people are only machines or try to live in the area of "non-reason."
In the area of non-reason, there's no distinction between right/wrong, truth/illusion.
Antonioni's "Blow-Up": Advertised as "murder without guilt, love without meaning." Lacks moral certainties and human categories. The human factor disappears, replaced by the camera.
Other films ("Last Year at Marienbad," "Juliet of the Spirits," "The Hour of the Wolf," "Belle de Jour") suggested that in the realm of non-reason, there's no certainty to distinguish between reality and dreams.
X. The Limitations of a Non-Reason-Based Worldview
Bergman's "The Hour of the Wolf" blurs the line between reality and fantasy.
Without a personal God, there's no way to definitively distinguish between reality and illusion.
Bergman, however, used Bach's Goldberg Variations in "Silence," acknowledging music's ability to "speak" to a "small holy part of the human being." The music interfered with the film's message.
XI. A Christian Perspective
Music speaks to humans because people are made in God's image.
Because God has spoken (in the Bible), there are certainties regarding moral and human values, and categories to distinguish between reality and fantasy.
Christianity isn't romantic about man, seeing him as fallen and rebellious.
However, Christians are not pessimists because history is going somewhere (Christ's return is the final solution).
Each generation should strive to impact culture with Christian values.
Discussion Questions
What is fragmentation? Does it focus more on particulars, the universal, or both?
How does fragmentation affect one’s view of humanity? What is he opposite of fragmentation, and how does it affect one’s view of humanity?
What is reality? What is fantasy? How does worldview affect how one interprets reality and fantasy?
Schaeffer present each period of art or music as a reaction to the period that preceded it. How has today’s music, art, literature, and cinema reacted to the age of fragmentation?
The Age of Personal Space and Affluence
Notes
Main Themes:
The Problem: Modern society, influenced by humanistic thought, has led to a focus on "personal peace and affluence" as primary values, which the speaker considers problematic.
The Reaction: The generation of the 1960s, recognizing the emptiness of these values, attempted to find alternatives, but their solutions (drugs, radical politics) ultimately failed.
The Danger: The speaker warns against replacing traditional values with either apathy or a blind acceptance of Marxist-Leninist ideologies, which he sees as oppressive.
The Core Issue: Humanism, placing man at the center, leads to a relativistic worldview and arbitrary laws.
The Solution: The speaker advocates for turning away from humanism and putting "the creator" (implied to be God) at the center of life.
Detailed Notes:
0:01-0:09: Modern humanistic thought has led to a widespread message that reason leads to despair and that fixed values are gone.
0:09-1:41: The speaker defines "personal peace" as wanting to be left alone, not caring about others, and prioritizing one's own lifestyle above all else.
1:41-2:30: "Affluence" is defined as always wanting more things and seeing success as an abundance of possessions. A generation was taught that reason leads to pessimism about life's meaning and values.
2:30-2:56: Professors taught that life has no meaning, yet they didn't live that way themselves.
2:56-3:39: Students saw the horrible values of personal peace and affluency and revolted, referencing Berkeley 1964.
3:39-4:23: Students tried to escape personal peace and affluency through drugs and the hippie scene. Aldous Huxley believed drugs could help people find truth within themselves since reason failed.
4:23-4:52: The hippie movement was an ideology with a belief in using drugs to solve civilization's problems.
4:52-5:24: The free speech movement arose at Berkeley, initially advocating for the right to political rallies.
5:24-5:57: The free speech movement shifted to the new left, influenced by the Marxist philosopher Marcuse.
5:57-6:28: These movements sought freedom from personal peace and affluency, and their analysis of society's problems was correct, but their solutions were wrong.
6:28-7:00: The drug culture peaked at Woodstock in 1969, but Altamont in 1969 (where violence occurred) marked its end as an ideology.
7:00-7:41: Drug-taking continued, but not as an ideology. The new left declined due to violence.
7:41-8:19: In 1970, radical students bombed a university lab, causing most young people to lose hope in the new left.
8:19-8:50: Students were left with apathy after their attempts to escape poor values failed.
8:50-9:27: In Europe and South America, many students turned to Marxist-Leninist ideologies.
9:27-10:04: Marxist-Leninism is a "new kind of leap into the area of non-reason" because it always leads to oppression. The speaker references Nietzsche and the oppression in Soviet Russia.
10:04-10:41: Communist regimes also bring external oppression. The speaker mentions Hungary and Czechoslovakia.
10:41-11:16: Personal story of listening to Hungarian students pleading for help during the Russian invasion in 1956.
11:16-12:00: The story of Elon Troth, who was hanged for standing against Marxist-Leninist oppression. Marxist-Leninism is based on materialism, which doesn't allow for human dignity.
12:00-12:36: Humanism cannot generate real values or dignity because it starts with man, and materialism provides no basis for dignity.
12:36-13:09: Young people are attracted to idealistic Marxist-Leninism because of its talk of dignity and meaningful life.
13:09-13:41: Idealistic utopian Marxism is a Christian heresy because it takes Christian ideals without the foundation.
13:41-14:16: When Marxism comes to power, it always leads to oppression, and the will of the majority has no meaning.
14:16-14:57: Two streams of Marxism-Leninism: idealistic utopian and hardcore orthodox. The danger is that those seeking personal peace and affluence might be tempted by communism if it promises those things.
14:57-15:38: There's a danger that the two streams of Marxism-Leninism could combine and create an irreversible situation, even in the United States.
15:38-16:16: The United States is experiencing a generation of arbitrary law due to man demanding autonomy from God and His revelation, leading to relativity in morals and law.
16:16-16:53: Nature alone is not sufficient for building a stable system of law. Modern law is based on what some group decides is good for society, which is variable.
16:53-17:30: Quote from Oliver Wendell Holmes about the dominant forces of the community determining what is right. The Constitution can be made to say almost anything based on sociological variable law.
17:30-18:06: Courts are not only interpreting the law but also making law. Arbitrary law dominates in communist countries and is spreading in the Western world.
18:06-18:41: Example of the human fetus and the 1973 Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision, which the speaker argues is arbitrary because it strips unborn children of constitutional protection.
18:41-19:16: The ruling is arbitrary medically because the question of when human life begins is open, and biologists may say it starts at fertilization.
19:16-19:53: It is arbitrary medically because the destruction of the fetus is accepted in abortion, but there are questions about fertilizing an ovum outside the womb.
19:53-20:28: The speaker questions the difference between a fertilized ovum in a lab and a five-and-a-half-month-old aborted baby, as both have the potential to become human beings.
20:28-21:07: Justice White's dissent called the abortion law an exercise of raw judicial power.
21:07-21:40: Most people accepted the arbitrary law because it was considered sociologically helpful, raising the question of whether laws curtailing freedom would be accepted if deemed sociologically helpful.
21:40-22:21: The unborn child is considered a non-person, similar to how black slaves were viewed in the past.
22:21-22:53: Questions whether other groups (the aged, incurably ill, insane) could also be declared non-persons based on arbitrary law if it's considered sociologically helpful.
22:53-23:29: As the Christian consensus dies, society lacks a basis for building, and hedonism (everyone doing their own thing) is not a viable option.
23:29-24:00: Illustration of two men on a narrow bridge who can't both do what they want, showing that society can't be built on hedonism.
24:00-24:39: Without an absolute, the 51% vote becomes absolute. In the past, individuals could stand up against the majority based on Christian principles.
24:39-25:19: "If there is no absolute by which to judge society, society is absolute."
25:19-25:49: Humanist thinking makes man the center, but to escape death (both individual and cultural), we must turn from humanism and put the creator at the center.
25:49-end: The greatest wickedness is putting any created thing in the place of the creator. Turning from this leads from paths of death to paths of life.
Discussion Questions
How does Schaeffer define personal peace and affluence?
Schaeffer repeatedly states that the humanistic view believes that “reason leads to human pessimism.” What examples from literature, history, or Scripture support or deny this?
What is the effect when sociological laws are separated from biblical laws or principle?
“If there are no absolutes by which to judge society, society is absolute.” What does this mean? What examples from literature, history, or Scripture support or deny this? How does fragmentation affect this idea compare to Plato’s definition of citizenship?
Final Choices
Notes
Main Idea:
The video discusses a potential future where, with the decline of traditional Christian values, an elite group might impose its own set of rules and values on society. It explores the dangers of this and suggests a return to foundational principles as an alternative.
Key Points:
The Problem: The speaker argues that the loss of a shared Christian understanding of the world creates a vacuum. This vacuum could be filled by an elite imposing their own arbitrary "absolutes" (rules and values) on everyone else.
The Elite: The video suggests this elite could come from various areas like intellectuals, scientists, government, or even a combination. People like John Kenneth Galbraith, Robert Theobald, and Daniel Bell are mentioned as having considered this possibility.
The Danger: Daniel Bell warns that a society run by such an elite would lack a strong moral foundation. There would be power without a sense of right and wrong.
Manipulation, Not Tyranny: The video stresses that this authoritarian control wouldn't necessarily look like Hitler or Stalin's regimes. It would likely be more subtle, involving manipulation.
Examples of Manipulation:
Suggestions of chemical agents to reduce aggression.
Controlling birth rates.
Mandatory psychological tests for public officials.
Genetic engineering to create certain types of people (mentioned with Francis Crick).
The Role of Media: The media, especially television, can be used to manipulate people's perceptions of reality. The video illustrates this with a staged news scene, showing how the same event can be portrayed in completely different ways through editing and narration.
Apathy and Personal Peace: The speaker fears that many people, focused on personal comfort and avoiding conflict, might be willing to give up freedoms little by little, as long as they have the illusion of peace and prosperity.
Pressures Leading to Control: Several pressures are identified that could make people more willing to accept increased control:
Economic problems (like inflation).
Political terrorism.
The threat of war.
Shortages of food and resources.
Two Alternatives:
Imposed Order: An authoritarian elite imposing control.
Return to Foundational Principles: A return to the values and beliefs that historically supported freedom, specifically referencing the Bible and Christianity.
Christianity as Truth: The speaker emphasizes that Christianity shouldn't just be seen as a way to fix society. It should be embraced as truth, involving belief in God, the acceptance of Jesus, and living by biblical morals.
Influence, Not Majority: Christians don't need to be the majority to influence society.
Speaking Out: Just like early Christians, believers today should speak out for what is right, even when it's difficult or unpopular.
Humanism's Failure: The speaker critiques humanism (the idea that humans can determine right and wrong without God) for failing to provide a strong enough foundation for society.
The Right Worldview: The video concludes that having the right worldview (a Christian worldview) is essential for acting in a way that promotes freedom and resists tyranny.
Important Note:
The video presents a specific viewpoint with a particular religious perspective. It is important to consider other viewpoints and think critically about the ideas presented.
Discussion Questions
What is the “arbitrary elite”? Why do any intellectuals find the idea of an arbitrary elite appealing?
How does media bias affect the way the public perceives a news story? Did media bias play a role in Animal Farm? If so, how did t affect the way. The characters received the “news”?
Schaeffer mentions “Christian consensus” frequently in this episode. What does it mean? How doe it compare the humanist consensus?
What would need to happen before the Christian value could be seen as the means for freedom without chaos? How can Christians influence society without being the majority?
The title of this last episode is “Final Choices” and the theme of the Challenge II program is “Choices.” With that in mind, how would you answer the question, “How should we then live”