How Did Sexual Identity Politics Win?, with Carl Trueman

In this episode of Life and Books and Everything, Carl Trueman joins Kevin, Justin, and Collin to discuss his latest book, published by Crossway, which analyzes the development of the sexual revolution as a symptom—rather than the cause—of the human search for identity. You’ll also learn the benefit for Christians of reading Nietzsche and Freud, and what you can say to someone when there isn’t time to debate the philosophy of gender.   

Timestamps: 

Thirty-second long book title [00:55 – 1:25] 

If identity is sexual, then sex is political. [1:25 – 7:37] 

Behaviors demand toleration; identity demands recognition. [7:37 – 13:39] 

Grappling with the history of ideas [13:39 – 22:26] 

Intended audience [22:26 – 24:29] 

Why Carl wants to be called a bigot [24:29 – 28:32] 

Should pastors read these non-Christian authors? [28:32 – 34:18] 

Is Protestantism to blame for sexual identity politics? [34:18 – 44:48] 

Natural law will help us communicate to younger generations. [44:48 – 50:55] 

What can you say to the other side when there isn’t time to debate? [50:55 –56:16] 

Against lament? [56:16 – 57:50] 

Family shapes theology. [57:50 – 1:03:00] 

Books and Everything: 

The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self: Cultural Amnesia, ExpressiveIndividualism, and the Road to Sexual Revolution, by Carl R. Trueman 

Civilization & Its Discontents, by Sigmund Freud 

The Triumph of the Therapeutic, by Philip Rieff 

Living in God's Two Kingdoms: A Biblical Vision for Christianity and Culture,by David VanDrunen 

Hands Across the Aisle 

“The Fury of the Fatherless,” by Mary Eberstadt, First Things