Overcoming Social Puritanism
It was a clip that showed up a few times in my newsfeed recently, and it got me thinking.
The speaker, a prominent theologian, was speaking about "Biblical Worldview" and commenting on the intense negativity we see in today’s society. Why are people so angry? He suggested people have decided that they can “enforce judgment, decide what is to be listened to, and decide how punishments are to be executed because, partly, they have decided there is no God and no objective reality for that God to judge - that they’re going to have to do it for Him.” This perspective, in part, has played into why people are hostile to a biblical worldview and angry about what Christians believe or how we behave, so they "cancel" you. Punish you. Try to change you.
I'll be listening to the message as a whole (context is key). Still, this clip caught my attention as I think it captures a popular perspective among professing Christians in America who feel disoriented at the state of our society. When we observe the crumbling morality of our culture, the rampant lies that are accepted as truth, or the perceived persecution for our beliefs, the assumption is this is a natural response of Godless pagans who have decided to usurp God's place… and we need to do something about it.
Unfortunately, what came to mind is the temptation to create categories of “us” and “them.” “They” are hostile and angry because “they” don’t have the truth like “us.” I found it interesting how the sentiments expressed in this clip about “them” could be equally applied to religious movements throughout history who have “enforced judgment, decided what is to be listened to, and decided how punishments are to be executed”. And how, upon reflection, what we are witnessing in society has been prominently modeled by those professing faith in Jesus.
While the "church" didn't invent "cancel culture," it has seemed to perfect it (See Crusades, Religious Wars during the Reformation, Roger Williams, Anne Hutchinson, Salem Witch Trials, Religious Right boycotts, etc.) After decades of firing rockets in recent culture wars, why is anyone surprised when missiles are sent in response?
Today, we're seeing something we could call "Social Puritanism." It influences the religious and relativists alike. This is a socio-cultural movement or attitude characterized by strictly following a set of perceived 'correct' or 'ideal' social behaviors, norms, and customs. It is driven by a strong moral or ethical dimension that can originate from various ideologies or identities, including religious, political, social, or other group identities. It shows up as a rigorous promotion of these values within social interactions and structures, both online and offline, in an attempt to enforce societal purity and virtuousness according to its own definition.
Social Puritanism also includes a sharp intolerance for what it sees as social wrongs, reacting to any deviations with possible social penalties or even being kicked out of the group. This intolerance isn't just about one-on-one interactions, it can influence bigger societal issues too, like the demands for acceptance or affirmation of specific behaviors. This can lead to things like 'cancel culture,' internet flame wars, or just “writing people off” in our lives who don’t agree with us.
While it may seek to foster respect, fairness, or dignity within social interactions, the strictness of its moral code and its potential unwillingness to consider alternate viewpoints can also generate societal tension. Social Puritanism reflects both the proactive pursuit of moral or social ideals and the reactive measures against perceived moral failures.
For what it's worth, this isn't a new problem. While changes in technology seemingly magnify the issues in our society, the solution for followers of Jesus is the same as it has been - living, empowered by the Holy Spirit, as citizens of God's Kingdom. This Kingdom framework is captured well in what we know as the "Sermon on the Mount." Jesus outlines a radical alternative to pursuing socio-religious purity through strict rule-following or keeping to a moral code of conduct. Instead, He calls for an internal transformation reflected in how we think, act, and relate to others.
"Blessed are the poor in spirit," Jesus begins, signaling that the Kingdom of God is not for the self-righteous but for those who acknowledge their spiritual poverty and their need for God's grace. It's a Kingdom where the meek, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, and even the persecuted are blessed.
In this Kingdom, it's not enough to abstain from murder; one must abstain from anger. It's not enough to avoid adultery; one must also guard against lustful thoughts. Love is not reserved only for one's neighbors but also extended to one's enemies. The Kingdom's citizens are called, not simply to religious observance but, to a deeper righteousness that emanates from the heart.
Jesus sets a high standard, far beyond what any of us can achieve on our own. It's not about perfectionism but about transformation. It reminds us that, instead of enforcing our version of purity on others, we're called to lean on God's grace, pursue personal transformation, walk humbly, do justly, and show love, mercy, and understanding to others.
As we navigate the contemporary challenges of "Social Puritanism," this Kingdom framework invites us to cultivate a spirit of humility, grace, and love in our social interactions. A Kingdom perspective includes prayerfully reflecting when we find ourselves not wanting to cultivate what Jesus asked us to. It urges us to remember that true purity comes not from rigid conformity to external standards but from a heart transformed by God's love. And ultimately, it calls us to be peacemakers in a world saturated with division and strife, bearing witness to a different way of being in the world – the way of the Kingdom!
