Culture War, Outrage, and Joy

Aaron Blumer

These days, you don’t have to be a news junky to hear of events that arouse strong disapproval or outright anger. But how should Christians feel about the foolishness and wrongdoing going on in our world and our culture? Should we be unmoved? Should we be perpetually outraged? What about Christian joy?

The Bible is clear that some things ought to get us worked up. We’re called to “hate evil” (Psalm 97:10, Prov 8:13, Amos 5:15), to “be angry” yet “not sin” (Eph 4:26).

Discussion

Outrage Is Not a Fruit of the Spirit

SI Filings

“In today’s digital world—and especially in an election year—it’s heartbreaking to see God’s people become a bickering, angry mob.” - Randy Alcorn

Discussion

Rich Men North of Richmond: The Trouble with Outrage Anthems

SI Filings

“…the view that your choices have a real impact on your life, tends to predict socioeconomic success. The opposite is also true: When someone views themselves as mainly a victim of things beyond their control, it often becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.” - Breakpoint

Discussion

“We've become addicted to outrage and it’s killing us.”

SI Filings

“I wrote Christians in an Age of Outrage: How to Bring Out Our Best When the World’s at Its Worst not to scold Christians for being like the world in our constant sense of outrage. I wrote it primarily to help us to be at our best in our age of outrage—how we can break the addiction and find a better path forward.” - Ed Stetzer

Discussion