Remaking the World

How 1776 Created the Post-Christian West

By: Andrew Wilson

Narrated by: Andrew Wilson

Length: 10 hrs and 13 mins

Publisher's summary

How 7 Transformational Events in 1776 Paved the Way for Today’s Post-Christian West

With dizzying social transformations in everything from gender to social justice, it may seem like there’s never been a more tumultuous period in history. But a single year in the late 18th century saw a number of influential transformations—or even revolutions—that changed the social trajectory of the Western world. By understanding how those events influenced today’s cultural landscape, Christians can more effectively bear witness to God’s truth in a post-Christian age.

In Remaking the World, Andrew Wilson highlights 7 major developments from the year 1776—globalization, the Enlightenment, the Industrial Revolution, the Great Enrichment, the American Revolution, the rise of post-Christianity, and the dawn of Romanticism—and explains their relevance to social changes happening today. Carefully examining key documents and historical figures, Wilson demonstrates how a monumental number of political, philosophical, economic, and industrial changes in the year of America’s founding shaped the modern West into a “WEIRDER” society: Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, Democratic, Ex-Christian, and Romantic. This thoroughly researched yet accessible audiobook offers a unique historical perspective on modern views of family, government, religion, and morality—giving Christians the historical lens they need to understand today’s post-Christian trends and respond accordingly.

• Relevant Cultural and Historical Analysis: Skillfully connects key ideas and events from the past to the present
• Comprehensive: Examines important developments from 1776, including the American Revolution, Thomas Paine’s Common Sense, Edward Gibbon’s The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire; James Watt’s steam engine; Adam Smith’s Wealth of Nations; and Immanuel Kant’s Critique of Pure Reason
• Informative: Covers key historical figures, including John Adams, Edmund Burke, and David Hume
• Biblical: Equips and encourages listeners to share the gospel in a post-Christian world
• A Great Resource for Pastors, Scholars, and Listeners of Carl Trueman’s The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2023 Andrew Wilson (P)2023 Crossway

Do read this book!

Andrew Wilson tells the story of how we got here in the most compelling way. Brilliantly insightful, beautifully told, gloriously hopeful.

A Compelling Call for Change and Hope

"Remaking the World" by Andrew Wilson is a thought-provoking and insightful book that delves into the challenges and possibilities of reshaping our world for the better. Wilson's writing style is engaging and accessible, making complex concepts and ideas easily understandable for readers of all backgrounds. With a comprehensive analysis of global issues, Wilson provides a compelling argument for the urgent need to take action. What sets this book apart is its optimistic tone, offering practical solutions and highlighting inspiring examples of individuals and communities already making a difference. "Remaking the World" is a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the issues that shape our world and a hopeful vision for a better future.

A fascinating look at History and Christianity

Interesting story telling about thinkers and politicians and Christians shaping the world we know today

LOVED THIS BOOK

Riveting read that showed how pivotal 1776 was in shaping our current cultural Milieux. Would highly recommend!

How 1776 Contributed to the WEIRDERness of Western Culture

This is the on they’ll remember him for! I’ve appreciated the insights of the Rev Dr Andrew Wilson for over a decade now. While his work as a local church pastor is likely of the most eternal significance, I think this book is what will “put him on the map” to a broader popular consciousness.

Wilson takes the concept of WEIRD (Western, educated, industrialized, rich and democratic) cultures championed by psychologists Joseph Henrich, Steven J. Heine, and Ara Norenzayan and further popularized by Jonathan Hait and shows how 1776 contained many significant events that led to WEIRD cultures becoming so. He also adds 2 concepts to the acronym - Ex-Christian & Romantic - to make the acronym WEIRDER.

Wilson spends a chapter of excellent storytelling on how 1776 relates to each concept. (This makes the book remind me of the work of Simon Winchester.) Then concludes with a couple chapters providing a Christian response, again drawing lessons from figures of 1776.

I really enjoyed the book. It helps I love reading about this period of history, Wilson is an excellent communicator & narrator, and I know live in a “majority” world culture so I am much more aware of how WEIRDER my home culture is.

I would recommend this book to anyone interested in 18th century history, western history in general, or exploring the concept of WEIRDness. While the author is a pastor & theologian, I think this work can be appreciated by people of any faith interested in the subject. That being said I would especially recommend the book to Christians seeking to have a deeper understanding of either the culture they’re serving in or, in the case of majority world Christians, the cultures that are exerting influence on them from the outside

Incredible Account of Recent History in the West

Well-read by the author, full of good humor and thought provoking insights, this book was not only a stimulating listen, but so enjoyable and profound that I’m going to have to go in for a second round. Highly Recommended!

Awesome read.

Great explication of our modern weird age. Full of loads of fascinating observations, facts, cogent analysis. Much needed clarity to connect todays world with the old, intellectually honest and rigorous.

Thought-provoking and thorough

Well-done survey of the events of 1776 that laid groundwork for the post-Christian West. It moves well beyond a focus on the American founding by placing the Declaration of Independence in a broader context of economic, cultural, social, and political changes happening at once.

Favorite book of 2023

I found this book to be thoughtful, engaging, insightful, and grounded in the historic, Christian gospel. Thank you, Andrew Wilson!

Brilliant storytelling and historical details

Who knew that so many world changing events happened in 1776. I learned so many new things about history. Definitely recommend it.