In this episode of Truth Tribe, I review Carl Trueman's newest book, "To Change All Worlds: Critical Theory from Marx to Marcuse." His magisterial 2020 volume, "The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self," established him as an insightful, rigorous, and incisive analyst who writes lucidly about complex ideas and places them into a Christian context. He then followed up this book with a smaller summary volume, which added new material, which was called "Strange New World," which was published in 2022. His newest effort addresses in more depth elements taken up in that previous work, or actually those two previous works, the nature of Critical Theory and its influence in contemporary culture.

Although critical race theory has its roots in critical theory, Truman does not say much about critical race theory. We are again in his debt for an in depth analysis, rich in original source research and pertinent for understanding contemporary cultural and political currents. Hegel was right in at least one thing: to understand an age, you must understand its philosophy, and as Christians, we must expose it and counter it with biblical truth.

Truman, patiently and non polemically, explains critical theory. To do so, he explores the philosophies of major figures such as Hegel, Karl Marx, and Sigmund Freud, and culturally significant thinkers from the German Frankfurt school such as Herbert Marcuse and Max Horkheimer. He also consults Neo-Marxist thinkers such as John Lucas and Karl Koch and the Neo-Freudian Wilhelm Reich as a historian.

Truman's aim is more elucidation than reputation, and he exposes difficult ideas in readable prose—no mean feat. However, he is wisely critical of critical theory to summarize and review a book that explores several dense thinkers, and their significance is challenging. I'd rather teach it than review it. However, several salient ideas emerge, which I will discuss here.

Douglas Groothuis, Ph.D., is Distinguished University Research Professor of Apologetics and Christian Worldview at Cornerstone University and the author of twenty books, including Beyond the Wager: The Christian Brilliance of Blaise Pascal (InterVarsity, 2024).

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Dr. Groothuis offers a diverse range of seminars designed to equip churches and groups with essential knowledge on contemporary issues that are increasingly relevant in today's society. His expertise spans various topics, including apologetics, critical race theory, and gender identity, all of which are crucial for understanding and navigating the complexities of modern culture.

Apologetics Seminars

A primary focus of Dr. Groothuis' seminars is apologetics, the defense of the Christian faith against objections and misconceptions. He offers several levels of training in this area:

1. Apologetics Boot Camp: This introductory seminar provides a foundational understanding of apologetics, covering the Christian worldview and basic arguments from science and history. It aims to equip participants with the tools to respond to common criticisms of Christianity, such as claims that it is anti-science or morally restrictive.

2. Mastering Apologetics: For those seeking a deeper understanding, this seminar delves into more complex apologetic matters. It is particularly beneficial for individuals involved in evangelism, campus ministry, or academic settings. Topics include various apologetic methods, the nature of truth, and a comparative analysis of Jesus's identity alongside other religious figures like Buddha and Muhammad.

3. Jesus Apologetics Immersion: This seminar focuses specifically on Jesus Christ's claims and credentials, examining the reliability of the New Testament and the significance of the Incarnation. It also explores how Jesus's teachings relate to other religions, providing a comprehensive view of his role in the Christian faith.

Douglas Groothuis, Ph.D., is Distinguished University Research Professor of Apologetics and Christian Worldview at Cornerstone University and the author of twenty books, including Beyond the Wager: The Christian Brilliance of Blaise Pascal (InterVarsity, 2024).

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode of Truth Tribe, Dr. Groothuis explores the heartfelt and somewhat lost art of writing meaningful cards and letters. He reflects on his mother's legacy as a champion correspondent and shares how her passing inspired him to connect more deeply with others through written communication. Dr. Groothuis emphasizes the significance of handwriting, noting that it re-humanizes our increasingly digital culture. He discusses the personal touch of sending cards, whether to comfort someone in need or to celebrate achievements and encourages listeners to consider who in their lives might benefit from a simple, thoughtful card. In this Christmas season, who can you send a card to this week?

Douglas Groothuis, Ph.D., is Distinguished University Research Professor of Apologetics and Christian Worldview at Cornerstone University and the author of twenty books, including Beyond the Wager: The Christian Brilliance of Blaise Pascal (InterVarsity, 2024).

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.