The NXR Podcast THE LIVESTREAM - The Idol of Third-Way-ism | Rick Warren, Tim Keller, & Gavin Ortlund
Mar 3, 2025
The discussion critiques the trend of Third-Wayism in evangelical politics, arguing it's a misguided attempt at neutrality that often compromises Christian values. Speakers challenge the notion that sitting in the middle addresses moral complexities and highlight the responsibilities of the church and family in fighting poverty. They explore the balance of personal ethics with political ideologies while critiquing the risks of adopting politically neutral stances that dilute core beliefs. The conversation underscores the need for principled engagement in an increasingly polarized world.
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Third Way Pivots On Avoiding Tribalism
- Gavin Ortlund frames third-wayism as needing to resist evils on both Left and Right and avoid tribalism.
- Hosts accept the premise but warn the unspoken implication often equates the two sides morally.
Test The 'Middle' Against Scripture
- Don't accept the 'somewhere in the middle' default without theological scrutiny.
- Test political recommendations against Scripture rather than cultural comfort or image management.
Third Way Critiques Use Progressive Frames
- Third-way critiques often borrow progressive categories to criticize the Right rather than applying Christian charity frameworks.
- That approach shifts the moral language and facilitates progressive policy prescriptions.
