ATSS: Malcolm Russell, “How Do We Choose What’s Right in a “WEIRD” Culture?”
4 June 2025 |
What makes something wrong? In his favorably reviewed book The Righteous Mind, Jonathan Haidt challenges both the wisdom of the ages and our current ideas. Though a secular evolutionary psychologist, he argues that when we make moral decisions, instincts often triumph over reason. Haidt then presents real consequences for politics: for example, liberal Democrats ignored at their peril his conclusions about matters as small as politicians not wearing a US flag on their lapels.
There’s much more on politics, but our concern this Sabbath morning is the implication for Christians of his model. We’ll consider “the elephant and the rider,” and the foundational values of our dominant “WEIRD” culture (Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, Democratic). Despite his own atheism, Haidt refutes the New Atheists’ condemnation of Christianity and religions generally.
Finally, we will peek at his suggestion that humans are born with an innate sense of morality.
Teacher:
Born to missionary parents who served in Palestine, Egypt, and (mostly) Lebanon. Attended Vincent Hill School and Takoma Academy, then Newbold and Columbia Union College. With a doctorate from the School of Advanced International Studies, he taught economics and directed the honors program at Andrews University, then became the chief academic officer at Union College. Now retired, he compensates in small part for the loss of his outstanding wife, Sharon, with frequent travels that incorporate physical activity.
Moderator:
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Coming up:
- Charles Scriven
- Tami Weise
- Jodi Washburn
- Laurence Turner
- Kevin Burton
