Previously on my Gathering Crows podcast I discussed what I call “the Christian default”—the pervasive influence of Christian ideology on societal norms and individual beliefs. Regardless of your religious or spiritual stance, certain basic assumptions about reality and philosophy in Western society stem from Christianity, even if we don’t realize it. I’m not saying these things are inherently incorrect or inaccurate – instead, I invite you to explore them as questions. You might end up in the same place, but with a deeper understanding. Alternatively, you might reach a completely different conclusion, potentially changing the fabric of your reality entirely.
Good vs. Evil: The Binary Perspective
One significant aspect of the Christian default is the dichotomy of good versus evil. This binary perspective is prevalent in our media—from movies to literature to myths and fables—where clear heroes and villains dominate narratives. However, real life is almost entirely composed of grays and rarely black and white. By questioning the existence of absolute good and evil, we can better understand the complexities of human behavior and societal issues. This perspective helps us consider whether actions are inherently good or evil, or if context and nuance play crucial roles in moral judgments. If good and evil do exist, then we should also consider the question of whether people are entirely good or entirely evil or if this only applies to actions and/or thoughts and if those applications are contextual. If an action can be good or evil, does it depend on intention? Does context matter?
Productivity and Wealth as Indicators of Virtue
Another example is the societal emphasis on productivity and material success as indicators of virtue and worthiness. In Western culture, wealth and productivity are often assumed to be associated. If someone is wealthy, we assume they are productive and vice versa. This perspective venerates figures like Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos (in the original podcast, I use Elon Musk as an example here), attributing their financial success to inherent worthiness, intelligence, and virtue. In contrast, those in less financially rewarding jobs, such as janitors or fast-food workers, are often considered less intelligent, less skilled, and overall, less virtuous.
Health as an Indicator of Virtue
Similarly, health is often viewed as a reflection of virtue. In a society that idolizes physical wellness and even youth (especially in those perceived as women), those with chronic illnesses or disabilities may be judged as less worthy. This can lead to harmful attitudes and policies that overlook the intrinsic value of every individual. During the COVID pandemic, many disabled individuals returned to work due to work-from-home accommodations, demonstrating their ability to work that is often prevented due to workplace structures.
Additionally, as wealth and productivity are qualities associated with virtue, society struggles to find a place for individuals unable to work. What justification is there for an individual to enjoy survival and comfort in society when they cannot contribute productively to it? And how do you prevent otherwise abled individuals from taking advantage? After all, who would willingly work a job if they didn’t need to?
Pleasure vs. Suffering
The Christian default also influences our views on pleasure and suffering. Pleasure is frequently seen as sinful, unhealthy, and something we need the discipline to restrict or avoid, while hard work and suffering are lauded as virtues. These values make people feel they need to stay in abusive relationships (romantic, familial, workplace, etc.) because suffering will eventually be appreciated and rewarded, and that it isn’t acceptable to enjoy basic necessities like clothing, bedding, physical movement, food, and sexuality. We have a society where the basic pleasures of life are associated with guilt as if enjoying them were unethical.
Intellect vs. Emotions
In Western culture, intellectual accomplishments are often elevated above emotional or physical experiences. This emphasis on rationality can lead to a belief in the disconnect between mind and body, as if they were separate entities that can operate independently, undervaluing the importance of physical and emotional well-being. People often believe that emotions and instincts are irrational and should be ignored in favor of logic and rationality, without exploring whether their emotions and instincts might offer valuable insights. Additionally, being unfamiliar with and ignoring our emotional responses can cause us to become more vulnerable to the emotional manipulation found in propaganda and marketing.
Humanity’s Separation from Nature
The Christian default perpetuates the notion that humans are separate from and superior to nature. This belief is evident in the way we value urban sophistication over rural simplicity. We view people similarly—those in large cities are seen as more sophisticated and better educated, while those in rural areas are considered uneducated and less cultured. We often believe we must travel to nature from a city to connect with it, overlooking the plants, trees, birds, insects, and other wildlife in our own neighborhoods. Even without those things, we are all still affected by the weather and changing seasons.
Religious Devotion and Moral Superiority
In politics and leadership, there is often an assumption that religious devotion equates to moral superiority. This bias can marginalize non-religious individuals or those with alternative faiths, limiting diversity in leadership roles. Non-religious and non-spiritual people are often asked, “How can you know right from wrong without God?” The frequency of this question illustrates how tightly society ties moral behavior to religious faith in Western society—specifically, Christianity.
The Nature of Reality
The Christian concept of an intentional, purposeful creation shapes our understanding of reality. This view contrasts with the primary scientific theory of random chance. There are, however, a multitude of ideas from many different cultures throughout history to explore, not to mention much more modern theories from philosophers, scientists, and artists.
Forgiveness and Suffering
Christian teachings on forgiveness and suffering influence societal attitudes towards justice and punishment. While forgiveness is often seen as a virtue, it’s worth considering what forgiveness really means and if it is truly a practical and ethical practice both at an individual level and in the context of a larger society. How do you create a justice system that maintains order, allows for mistakes, and ensures that individuals are held accountable in a way that is productive for that society in equal measure for each individual without unfairly favoring those with celebrity status or extraordinary wealth?
The Nature of Gods
Finally, the concept of infallible, omnipotent deities, prevalent in Christian theology, has permeated pagan and New Age beliefs. Not every religion or spirituality holds that their gods are all-knowing or infallible, and not every faith has gods at all. Considering the fallibility and diversity of gods in various mythologies can enrich our spiritual practices and understanding.
Introspection
I hope you can see that there are numerous ideas, concepts, and values inherent in society that are worth questioning and examining for ourselves. Exploring other ideas, philosophies, and beliefs, and even playing with these ideas, can lead to a better-considered cosmology and approach to life, well-defined values, and a stronger conviction in living life. Even if you end up in the same place you started, the journey is well worth it.
