The Dawn of a Negative World: Navigating Christianity in Modern America

The Shifting Landscape

How did our society, once rooted in Christian principles, come to repudiate them so vehemently? Aaron M. Renn's groundbreaking book, "Life in the Negative World," unravels the path that led us to this cultural crisis.

Renn posits that America has undergone three distinct stages in its relationship with Christianity: the "positive world," the "neutral world," and the "negative world." In each stage, Christianity's standing in society has evolved dramatically.

Today, we find ourselves in a "negative world," where "Christian morality is expressly repudiated and seen as a threat to the public good and new public moral order." This shift has created an environment where Christian beliefs and practices face increasing hostility and censorship.

Roots of the Negative World

The transition to a negative world was not a sudden occurrence. Renn identifies several major influences that contributed to the rise of anti-Christian sentiment:

• The social and sexual revolutions of the 1960s and 70s
• The collapse of the WASP establishment and its normalizing mainline Protestant values
• The end of the Cold War, which had rallied America around its Christian identity against communism
• The deregulation of the business sector, leading to media conglomerates with vast control

Evangelical Response and Fragmentation

In the face of these challenges, evangelicals adopted diverse strategies for reaching an unchurched culture. The "religious right" engaged in culture wars as staunch political allies of the Republican party. Meanwhile, the seeker-sensitive movement aimed to appeal to secular suburbanites. A third strategy pursued cultural engagement by seeking intellectual and artistic dialogue with secular city-dwellers.

The dawn of the negative world fractured these evangelical strategies. While some urban cultural engagers continued to find favor with secular elites, others found themselves canceled for their unwavering faith. This, along with the rise of Donald Trump, has driven a wedge between evangelical camps.

Navigating the Challenges

To address the polarization and challenges of the negative world, Renn offers practical advice for conservatives and Christians alike.

On the Personal Level

Renn emphasizes the importance of intellectual excellence, developing the language and skills to counter the dominant materialist and relativist worldview. Evangelicals must seek to occupy leadership positions in conservative think tanks and publications.

Furthermore, he advises financial, vocational, and geographical positioning to prepare for inevitable cancellation. Strategies such as pursuing bi-vocational ministry or owning church property can provide financial independence from progressive pressures.

On the Institutional Level

Evangelical churches must prioritize integrity and focus on their core mission of spreading the gospel. Avoiding entanglement with politics or social activism allows churches to maintain their focus and avoid reputational damage.

Renn also encourages churches to withdraw from public institutions that actively undermine their beliefs, such as schools that promote gender ideology.

On the Missional Level

Renn stresses the importance of positive countercultural engagement. Rather than mirroring the negative world's values, evangelicals and conservatives should strive to create communities that embody sexual purity, stable marriages, and fertility.

Additionally, he commends the "He Gets Us" campaign for its innovative approach to pre-evangelism. By introducing Jesus in a non-threatening way, this campaign paves the path for future gospel conversations.

Addressing Gender and Family

Renn identifies biblical truths about gender and family as crucial for the health of evangelical communities. Churches must teach these truths and confront issues like pornography and extramarital sex. Failure to do so will only lead to confusion and the erosion of traditional marriage and family values.

While affirming traditional roles, Renn emphasizes the need for balance and wisdom. Avoid the pitfalls of extreme patriarchy, but also recognize the unique contributions and responsibilities of men and women in God's design.

Conclusion

Renn concludes by calling on churches and individuals to embrace his advice. By listening, learning, and acting, we can navigate the challenges of the negative world and maintain our witness for the gospel. Only through the restoration of biblical values and principles can we create a society that truly honors God and uplifts humanity.