English L'Abri How Should We Then Love? Ordering Desire in the Immanent Frame (Phillip Johnston)
Aug 5, 2017
Phillip Johnston, L'Abri worker and lecturer, reflects on Augustine and contemporary thinkers about what shapes our loves. He discusses how earthly goods can point to God, the tension of living inside the immanent frame, habits and desires that drive action, and practical ways worship and practices reorder affections. Short, thoughtful, and gently provocative.
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The Immanent Frame Makes Earthly Goods Seem Ultimate
- The imminent frame is a cultural border that confines meaning to the natural world and makes worldly goods seem ultimate.
- Phillip Johnston uses Charles Taylor’s concept to explain why possessions and status become default sources of ultimate hope and joy.
You Are What You Love Shapes Behavior More Than Knowledge
- James K.A. Smith’s thesis: human action is driven more by desire and habituated loves than by propositional thinking.
- Johnston illustrates with his ice cream example: knowing good choice doesn't prevent midnight habits formed by desire.
Midnight Ice Cream Shows Desire Beats Knowledge
- Johnston shares his midnight ice‑cream habit to show desire often overrides knowledge.
- He knows eating ice cream at 11 p.m. harms health, yet habit and love of pleasure pull him to the fridge.
