Pragmatism is another non-Christian philosophy that has found its way into the church. Since we can never know what is true or good, according to pragmatist philosophers, we should simply do “what works,” conceived of in material terms. This is an important strain of American philosophy, from the modernist John Dewey with his atheism and socialism to the postmodernist Richard Rorty with his relativism and leftist politics. Few Christians would agree with these philosophers if they listened to them, but simplified pragmatism can be heard constantly in church committee meetings, church-growth seminars, and books for pastors. “What works” — to increase church attendance, attract non-Christians, bring in more money, or achieve another goal — can trump all theological, historical, and biblical considerations.

— Gene Edward Veith (b. 1951), Literaturwissenschaftler, Kulturkritiker und Autor

Topics: Church & Congregation, Wisdom & Understanding, The Bible & the Word of God

Gene Edward Veith

Gene Edward Veith (* 1951) ist ein US-amerikanischer Literaturwissenschaftler, Kulturkritiker und Autor, der unter anderem an der Concordia University Wisconsin sowie am Patrick Henry College lehrte. Er steht für eine konfessionell-lutherische Auseinandersetzung mit Kultur und Gesellschaft sowie für die Wiederentdeckung der reformatorischen Lehre von der christlichen Berufung im Alltag. Bibellesern verdeutlicht sein Werk, wie sich theologische Konzepte wie die Kreuzestheologie praktisch auf Arbeit, Bildung und das Leben in einer säkularen Welt anwenden lassen.

All quotes by Gene Edward Veith (9)

Gene Edward Veith

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