The Pragmatic Worldview: How Efficiency Trumped Truth
In the modern world, a peculiar philosophy has taken hold. It’s called pragmatism, and it measures truth by its utility value. This way of thinking has become so ingrained in American culture that it’s hard to imagine a time when things were different.
The Roots of Pragmatism
Pragmatism has its roots in the ideas of men like John Stuart Mill, John Dewey, and William James. These thinkers believed that truth should be determined by its practical results, rather than by any objective standard. James, in particular, argued that the only way to determine the truth of anything is by its practical results.
The Industrial Revolution and the Triumph of Pragmatism
However, it was the Industrial Revolution that really cemented pragmatism as the dominant worldview in the West. The goal of industrial pragmatism is efficiency leading to low cost, rather than quality, craftsmanship, or aesthetics. This approach has improved living standards for millions, but at a significant cost. Quantity has marginalized quality, volume has smothered craftsmanship, and affordability has sabotaged beauty.
The Influence of Pragmatism on American Religion
Pragmatism has also had a profound impact on American religion. Many evangelicals approach the Christian faith with a pragmatic mindset, asking whether it “works” rather than whether it’s true. This approach has led to a watering down of biblical doctrine and a focus on practical results rather than spiritual transformation.
The Dangers of Pragmatic Christianity
One of the most insidious forms of pragmatic Christianity is the faith healing movement. Faith healers promise health, wealth, and happiness if their adherents just employ the right techniques. This approach eliminates the mystery of miracle and makes healing predictable and inevitable. It’s a naturalistic faith that reduces salvation and healing to human achievements.
A Call to Return to Biblical Doctrine
In light of the vast sea of cultural pragmatism, it’s more important than ever to return to biblical doctrine. We need to rediscover the gospel of grace and the doctrines that shook the world. We need to reject the pragmatic worldview and its emphasis on efficiency and practicality, and instead seek truth and spiritual transformation.
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