Co-authors Neil Shenvi and Pat Sawyer discuss their new book, which connects the dots between radical ideology and societal decay.
Critical theories are having a widespread impact everywhere – government, education, churches, you name it. But how to get a better understanding of what they’re about? That’s where the new book Critical Dilemma: The Rise of Critical Theories and Social Justice Ideology – Implications for the Church and Society proves useful.
Co-written by authors Neil Shenvi and Pat Sawyer, the book points out the connection between radical ideology and societal decay, as well as where critical theories got their start and gained momentum. It also provides clear definitions of various critical theories for those who may not understand what they are about.
The book breaks down into three parts:
- Understanding the various critical theories, as stated in the words of the proponents
- Critiquing critical theories and exploring their shortcomings and problems
- Engaging with critical theories from a biblical and societal perspective
“Without question, the incorporation of gender, sexual orientation, class and other factors in CRT’s analysis of racism is a theme that runs throughout the last three decades of CRT scholarship,” the authors noted. “Issues of race, class and age are inextricably linked to gender and sexuality.”
Shenvi and Sawyer join us now to discuss the book further.
Q&A:
- What motivated you to write this book, and what challenges came with breaking down how critical theory works as a whole?
- What makes the “woke” movement such a danger, especially in this day and age?
- Social injustices seem to be somewhat normal these days. But what about biblical justice? How would you define that?
- Why is it more important to focus on ideas rather than labels?
- You see the influence of critical theories as a society-wide problem. Why do you think this is? Does social media play a part in this?
- Out of the 15 tenets that tie in with critical theory, which do you think are the most notable?
- In the second part of Critical Dilemma, you provide a Christian critique on critical theory. What points were you trying to touch upon with this particular section of the book?
- What are some examples of the deeply flawed slogans you discuss in the third part of Critical Dilemma?
- Where can those interested in Critical Dilemma purchase a copy and read it for themselves?
- The official Critical Dilemma website is here, and you can buy the book here on Amazon in both Kindle and hardcover format.
- Is there also an official website where we can learn more about the book?
- Yes, you can visit https://criticaldilemma.com.
About the authors…
Neil Shenvi has an AB in chemistry from Princeton and a PhD in theoretical chemistry from UC Berkeley. He is the author of Why Believe?: A Reasoned Approach to Christianity and is widely recognized for his writing on critical theory, which can be found in journals like Eikon and The Journal of Christian Legal Thought. He is married and has four children.
Pat Sawyer has a BA in psychology from UNC-Chapel Hill, an MA in communication studies, and a PhD in educational studies and cultural studies, both from UNC-Greensboro. He is a faculty member at UNC-Greensboro and is published in the academy and in a number of popular outlets including The Federalist, The Gospel Coalition and The American Conservative.
CONTACT: Jerry McGlothlin at: geraldmcg@outlook.com or 919-437-0001.
