Is “Western” Christian Individualism a Bad Thing? Part 3

April 15, 2023 By Al Baker

This is Part 3 of a presentation giving evidence of robust individualism (personal forgiveness) in early church history. This evidence shows that the “western” world did NOT lead Christianity into individualism. I disagree with modern theologians who claim that rampant individualism in the Christian faith is a “western” invention. Christianity has always had a strong pull towards individualism. In the first section I offered evidence from the New Testament for personal forgiveness. In Part 2 we saw evidence of a... Read more

Is “Western” (American) Individualism in the Christian Faith a Bad Thing? – Part 2

April 7, 2023 By Al Baker

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This is Part 2 of my response to two great scholars, Krister Stendahl and N.T. Wright. Both made critical comments about how “western” individualism has negatively affected a proper reading of Jesus and Paul. Recently I read a comment by an Asian Christian scholar claiming that seeking revival is “an American phenomenon.” I decided to throw my hat into the ring as an Early Church historian to show how Christianity has always had a strong pull towards individualism.... Read more

Is “Western” Individualism in the Christian Faith a Bad Thing?

March 28, 2023 By Al Baker

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Two great theologians I read have made critical comments about modern “western” individualism in Christianity. Krister Stendahl (Paul Among Jews and Gentiles) and N.T. Wright (The Challenge of Jesus and Jesus and the Victory of God). I have benefited from both of these theologians, but I disagree with their critical comments about “western” individualism (I think they are both mainly talking about American Christianity). The recent Asbury Revival has also triggered some negative attacks on individualism. Recently an Indonesian theologian... Read more