Part 6 of the Series: Critical Theory, the End Times, and the Christian Response
Introduction: Torchbearers in the Tunnels
Imagine being trapped in a collapsing tunnel.
The walls tremble. The light grows dim. Fear grips the air.
Some sit frozen. Others run aimlessly deeper into the dark.
But a few — a precious few — carry torches.
Their light cuts through the dust and rubble, guiding others to safety.
This is where we find ourselves today:
A world increasingly embracing Critical Theory’s false promises — deconstructing truth, redefining justice, preparing for global rebellion.
And yet, the call of Christ remains:
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.” (Matthew 5:14, LSB)
How then should we live in such a time?
We must stand — not in anger, not in fear, but in unwavering, hopeful faithfulness.
About This Series
This is Part 6 of our series Critical Theory, the End Times, and the Christian Response.
In previous installments, we traced the ideological rise of Critical Theory and its prophetic significance.
Now, we turn to our mandate: How should Christians respond biblically and practically today?
To view all parts of the series, please visit the Series Page
First: Recognize the Nature of the Battle
We are not fighting against people, but against the lies that hold them captive:
“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world forces of this darkness…” (Ephesians 6:12, LSB)
This battle is:
- Spiritual (driven by unseen forces).
- Ideological (fought in hearts and minds).
- Eschatological (connected to the nearing end of the age).
Thus, we cannot fight Critical Theory with politics alone, nor with rage, nor with despair.
We must fight with truth, courage, love, and hope — clothed in the armor of God (Ephesians 6:13–18).
Second: Ground Yourself in Biblical Conviction
In a world redefining everything, we must stand immovable on God’s unchanging Word.
Paul exhorts:
“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord…” (1 Corinthians 15:58, LSB)
Practical steps:
- Know the Scriptures deeply (Psalm 119:11; 2 Timothy 3:16–17).
- Study sound theology that frames justice, identity, truth, and purpose biblically.
- Expose false worldviews without becoming captivated by them (Colossians 2:8).
Biblical literacy is no longer optional.
It is survival equipment.
Third: Cultivate Courageous Compassion
Critical Theory thrives because it offers false hope to real hurts.
- People do suffer injustice.
- People do long for dignity and belonging.
But Critical Theory offers poisoned medicine — diagnosing the wrong disease and prescribing death as a cure.
We must meet a hurting world with:
- Compassion that listens to real pain.
- Clarity that diagnoses the true disease (sin).
- Courage that points unashamedly to the true cure (Christ).
As Paul told Timothy:
“God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and self-discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:7, LSB)
Not rage.
Not retreat.
Spirit-empowered courage, anchored in sacrificial love.
Fourth: Prepare to Be Misunderstood — and Rejoice
Jesus warned:
“If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you.” (John 15:18, LSB)
Faithfulness to biblical truth in an age shaped by Critical Theory will invite:
- Accusations of intolerance
- Loss of influence or opportunity
- Relational strain
- Cultural exile
But far from being cause for despair, it is reason for rejoicing:
“Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you… rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for your reward in heaven is great.”(Matthew 5:11–12, LSB)
In every era of rebellion, God raises up torchbearers.
Let us be among them.
Story: The Torchbearers’ Song
In ancient times, runners would carry torches across great distances to announce victories in far-off cities.
Even through storms, darkness, and enemy attacks, they pressed forward — torches high, flames flickering, songs on their lips.
Their mission was not to invent victory.
It was to proclaim it.
We are heralds, not redeemers.
The war is already won by Christ at the cross (Colossians 2:15).
Our task is to carry the flame — to declare His victory faithfully — until He returns in glory.
Practical Strategies for Standing Firm
| Strategy | Application |
|---|---|
| Saturate your mind in Scripture | Daily reading and meditation. Study with others. Build theological frameworks, not just memory verses. |
| Stay rooted in local church community | Isolation breeds compromise. Biblical community fuels perseverance. (Hebrews 10:24–25) |
| Engage culture boldly but wisely | Speak truth with grace. Be wise as serpents, innocent as doves. (Matthew 10:16) |
| Prepare your family and children | Disciple them in truth early. Equip them to spot lies wrapped in emotional language. |
| Pray without ceasing | Spiritual warfare demands spiritual weapons. (Ephesians 6:18) |
| Rest in Christ’s ultimate victory | Our hope is not in reclaiming cultural dominance but in the King’s return (Revelation 19:11–16). |
Reflection Questions
- In what ways are you tempted to compromise or remain silent when facing Critical Theory’s influence?
- How can you practically deepen your biblical convictions this year?
- What would it look like for you to be a torchbearer of truth and hope in your community?
References
Horkheimer, M. (1982). Critical theory: Selected essays (M. J. O’Connell, Trans.). Continuum. (Original work published 1972)
Lindsay, J., & Pluckrose, H. (2020). Cynical theories: How activist scholarship made everything about race, gender, and identity—and why this harms everybody. Pitchstone Publishing.
Trueman, C. (2020). The rise and triumph of the modern self: Cultural amnesia, expressive individualism, and the road to sexual revolution. Crossway.
The Holy Bible. (2021). Legacy Standard Bible. Three Sixteen Publishing. https://read.lsbible.org/
Footnotes
[^1]: The call to be “steadfast and immovable” (1 Corinthians 15:58) directly contrasts with the shifting, unstable foundations offered by Critical Theory and its derivatives.
Glossary: Key Terms for Understanding Critical Theory and the End Times
