In this episode we examine the British ethic of the 19th century that arises with its principles of being British, decency, Protestantism, and civilisation. These values are embedded into schooling, and find their peak heading into the First World War.

As always, a pendulum swing comes in the other direction advocating for the redemption of spontaneity and freedom, and a gamut of positions emerge as viable options.

All positions will find something missing once they have removed the transcendent and tried to make sense of things without God.

References:

-Pages of A Secular Age, Charles Taylor (pp 391-407)

In this episode we follow some of the cases of the increasing number of expressions of belief/unbelief that emerge in the 19th Century. The old faith is considered unbelievable, but much of what it offered comes to be seen as somewhat essential. It is a period of exploration, with many different trajectories emerging in the pursuit of something plausible.

References:

--Pages of A Secular Age, Charles Taylor: (377-390)

At the turn of the 19th century, two factors rise as influential in maturing the nova of unbelief that emerged in the 18th century, namely i) the scientific stance as a higher standard, and ii) the continued unfolding of the new cosmic imaginary that had little place for a personal God. Faith came to be seen as childish and immature, and even standard exclusive humanism came to be seen as not far enough in affirming the human person and their fulfilment.

How are we called to respond as missionaries in this space? In this episode we explore the power of self-reflection, patience in accompaniment, and fostering curiosity as directions we might be called to take.

References:

-Pages of A Secular Age, Charles Taylor: (361-376)