Thread by @AnnaCaudill4

NOTE: When Reformed theobros speak of “Expressive Individualism”, what they’re talking about is a politically bastardized version of a term coined by Robert Bellah before 1996. They are willfully hijacking it to collectively shape their postmodern theology reach for profit.

https://twitter.com/between2worlds/status/1465383046304210945

Taylor, Trueman, et al use it as a cudgel to attack CRT & LGBTQ folks. When Trueman came to speak at our PCA community back in May, “parents’ LGBTQ concerns about their kids” was the back door entry for a nationalist monologue that attacked the 1619 Project, Dr. Tisby, & CRT. 2/

I found it interesting that they’re so keen on hijacking Robert Bellah’s term from Habits of the Heart. Bellah wrote later that Expressive Individualism in US is different from identity development w/in more socialist-leaning democracies. (not unlike the one Trueman is from) 3/

I find it helpful to look at Bellah’s later commentary around expressive individualism.

“Those who imagine that in Habits of the Heart we were arguing for homogeneous ‘communities’ languishing in bland consensus could hardly have gotten us more wrong... 4/ 🤔

Bellah clarified this, lest folks misuse or misunderstand “expressive individualism” in precisely the way these guys are doing. 5/

robertbellah.com/articles_6.htm

Know that when you see a professional Christian using “Expressive Individualism” to criticize anyone *esp women*, they see themselves as “leaders” whose job it is to keep “the flock” mindful of their place. No mediator but Christ, until you get out of your lane.
Don’t buy it. /f

PS—It’s all “inerrancy of the Bible” until a woman gets out of line, & then Matthew 18 is traded for more convenient toxic Christic manhood. Siri, what does a stalker look like?