Unbelievable? Classic: Louise Perry & Rod Dreher • Christianity, the Sexual Revolution and the future of the West (copy) · Unbelievable? summary

Key takeaways

The cultural landscape is shifting towards a re-evaluation of the sexual revolution and its consequences for modern relationships.
Community and strong foundations within Christian traditions are essential for cultivating resilience against modern secular pressures.
Women and society face challenges from the current sexual culture which may require a reevaluation of traditional feminist values in light of contemporary experiences.
Churches need to engage more transparently in discussions about sexuality, providing guidance and support for individuals navigating these issues in today's society.

Summary

The State of Post-Christendom

In this discussion, Ruth Jackson invites Rod Dreher and Louise Perry to explore the implications of a post-Christian world. Rod expresses his belief that Christians face a cultural defeat and that the lack of a transcendent narrative in society leads to a moral and ethical disarray. He introduces concepts from his books, such as the 'Benedict Option', advocating for the formation of strong Christian communities to withstand the encroaching 'soft totalitarianism' present in modern culture, evidenced by cancel culture and identity politics.

Critique of the Sexual Revolution

Louise Perry shares her insights as a modern feminist who critiques the sexual revolution through the lens of her work and her book, 'The Case Against the Sexual Revolution'. She argues that today's liberal hookup culture has negative effects on women, promoting unhealthy behaviors and diminishing the sanctity of relationships. The conversation touches on how feminism has evolved and struggles with traditional values, exposing the contradiction between sexual liberation and actual empowerment for women.

Cultural Shifts and Future Prospects

The dialogue transitions to the future of Western culture and potential shifts in societal attitudes toward sex and relationships. Rod and Louise discuss how the present generation, while exposed to a permissive environment, often experiences dissatisfaction and re-evaluates the narratives surrounding sex, relationships, and morality. They explore whether a push toward traditional values and perhaps a more conservative sexual ethic could emerge as a response to the perceived excesses of the sexual revolution.

The Role of the Church in Society

The discussion highlights the role of Christian communities and the church, as Rod reflects on his experience seeking support while living a chaste life. Both guests express a need for open dialogue within churches to address sexual ethics candidly and support individuals in their struggles. Louise adds that there is a yearning for meaningful connections and a return to values that resonate with deeper truths about human nature.

Show notes

The Big Conversation - Episode 2 | Season 5
Is post-Christendom a brave new world or a culture in collapse? Can ancient wisdom still offer answers to the modern problems of life?
Rod Dreher is Senior Editor of The American Conservative and author of bestselling books including ‘The Benedict Option’ and ‘Live Not By Lies’. Louise Perry is a journalist and campaigner against sexual violence. Her book ‘The Case Against The Sexual Revolution’ explains why today’s liberal hook up culture has been bad for women from a purely socio-evolutionary perspective. They discuss Christianity, the sexual revolution and the future of the West.

Originally aired: March 2023

• Get our 'Confident Christianity' course: http://www.premier.org.uk/courseierchristianradio.com/...
• Subscribe to the Unbelievable? podcast: https://pod.link/267142101
• More shows, free eBook & newsletter: https://premierunbelievable.com
• For live events: http://www.unbelievable.live
• For online learning: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/training
• Support us in the USA: http://www.premierinsight.org/unbelievableshow
• Support us in the rest of the world: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/donate

Unbelievable? Classic: Louise Perry & Rod Dreher • Christianity, the Sexual Revolution and the future of the West (copy)