This episode explodes anthropocentric morality as the standard for good works. Deism is cited as a prime example of a philosophical or religious system that defines good and bad based on outward morality. Love of God in the great commandment is not the primary objective, virtue itself is the goal. This redefining of good and evil in terms of outward morality apart from love of God is typical of modernity's penchant for commending itself outside of the standard of God. Repentance from dead works is the repudiation of any man-made system of morality that doesn't have love of God as the prime directive.
“Loving God completely: the standard for good works”
This introductory episode defines good works as those that fulfill the great commandments, loving God and loving neighbor. Since all mankind since the fall is incapable of fulfilling these commandments, no "good" work is even possible. The episode answers one objection raised by many that unbelievers can do good works. While works toward neighbor might be outwardly "good," if actions do not have fulfillment of the great commandment as their objective, then so-called "good" works miss the mark. "Good" means little without reference to God, so unbelievers cannot do good works. Repentance from dead works refers to the changing of the mind about one's own sin and abilities to perform good works. Coupled with faith in Christ, salvation is the result.
Identity Politics Rooted in Idolatry
This episode provides the grand Biblical narrative of mankind's problem: mankind was originally called to rule on God's behalf based on the image of God in man, but because of the fall, has exchanged the truth of God for a lie, being consumed by idolatrous worship of himself and his own desires. Identity politics' exaltation of secondary characteristics into primary ones (race, class, sex, etc.) is a natural bi-product of the Great Exchange, in which unregenerate man exchanges the truth of God for a lie, an image in the form of corruptible man. The Biblical solution to mankind's problem centers on the remaking of mankind into the image of Christ.
Identity Politics motivated by grievance
Identity politics is actually an easy scapegoat for anyone not finding their identity in Christ, particularly those who haven't gained God's perspective on their grievances. I give my testimony how worldly wealth categories led to grievance in my own life and my embrace of classism, a category of identity politics.
To oppress or not to oppress: the superficial “sin” lens of identity politics
This episode draws the stark contrast between oppression and sin, the respective lenses of identity politics and the Bible respectively. "Sin" in identity politics is largely defined by participation, willing or not, in oppressor/oppressee groups. God is not really in view. This worldview contrasts sharply with the Biblical assessment of man's problem: sin is universal, and oppression/victim status among groups is part of the much larger universal problem of sin.
Primer on Identity Politics
This initial episode provides a brief history of identity politics beginning in the 1970's and highlights the distinctive focus of identity politics as opposed to conventional or traditional politics. The principle theme is perceived oppression based on one's own race, class, sex, nationality, etc. Those who embrace identity politics typically focus on combatting oppression based on the group in which they participate.
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