A Resource for the Series: Critical Theory, the End Times, and the Christian Response
Introduction
Today’s cultural debates are filled with new words — and ancient lies dressed in modern language.
To engage faithfully, Christians must understand the terms, the assumptions behind them, and how to answer them with biblical clarity.
This glossary provides quick definitions of key terms from Critical Theory and contrasts them with God’s revealed truth.
(Use this as a reference as you read through the full blog series.)
Glossary
Apostasy
- Definition (Biblical): A deliberate falling away or rebellion against God’s revealed truth (2 Thessalonians 2:3).
- Contrast: Apostasy is not mere drift; it is an active embrace of falsehood leading to judgment.
Critical Theory
- Definition (CT): A worldview that interprets society entirely through power dynamics between oppressors and oppressed.
- Biblical Response: Humanity’s ultimate problem is not oppression by others but sin against God (Romans 3:23).
Deconstruction
- Definition (CT): The process of critically dismantling established truths, norms, and meanings to expose hidden oppression.
- Biblical Response: God’s truth is eternal (Psalm 119:89). Deconstruction without reanchoring in Scripture leads only to chaos (Romans 1:25).
Equity
- Definition (CT): Ensuring equal outcomes among groups, regardless of individual effort, ability, or choice.
- Biblical Response: God commands justice based on truth, impartiality, and righteousness — not forced outcomes (Leviticus 19:15; Proverbs 11:1).
Globalism
- Definition (Modern): The movement toward worldwide political, economic, and ideological integration.
- Biblical Response: Scripture prophesies a future global system under the Antichrist (Daniel 7:23–25; Revelation 13:7–8).
Intersectionality
- Definition (CT): The idea that overlapping social identities (e.g., race, gender, sexuality) multiply oppression and victimhood.
- Biblical Response: While injustice is real, God sees individuals primarily as His image-bearers, not as victims or oppressors (Genesis 1:27; Galatians 3:28).
Lived Experience
- Definition (CT): Personal experience viewed as the highest authority in determining truth and justice.
- Biblical Response: Experiences must be tested against objective truth found in God’s Word (Acts 17:11; 1 Thessalonians 5:21).
Oppressor/Oppressed Binary
- Definition (CT): Humanity divided into groups of oppressors and oppressed based solely on race, gender, sexuality, or status.
- Biblical Response: All have sinned (Romans 3:23). Biblical justice considers actions, not identities (Exodus 23:2–3).
Post-Truth
- Definition (Culture): A society where emotions and personal beliefs outweigh objective facts.
- Biblical Response: Truth is grounded in God’s character and Word, not human feelings (John 17:17; Numbers 23:19).
Social Justice (Critical Theory version)
- Definition (CT): Reconstructing society to redistribute power and privilege based on perceived systemic inequalities.
- Biblical Response: True justice flows from God’s character — impartial, righteous, and anchored in truth (Isaiah 1:17; Micah 6:8).
Systemic Oppression
- Definition (CT): The belief that societal structures are inherently biased against certain groups.
- Biblical Response: Injustice exists, but systems are not inherently evil — sin in human hearts is the root of oppression (Jeremiah 17:9; Romans 5:12).
Wokeness
- Definition (Culture): Awareness of perceived social injustices, often resulting in activism based on Critical Theory frameworks.
- Biblical Response: Christians are called to be awake to righteousness (1 Corinthians 15:34), not captive to secular ideologies.
How to Use This Glossary
- While reading the series: Use this page anytime you encounter a cultural term or concept that needs biblical evaluation.
- In your daily conversations: These short definitions can equip you to explain truth clearly and compassionately.
- For further study: Each term links back to biblical categories for deeper exploration and discipleship.
Closing Encouragement
“See to it that there is no one who takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, in accord with the tradition of men, in accord with the elementary principles of the world, and not in accord with Christ.” (Colossians 2:8, LSB)
Truth is not a construct.
It is a Person — and His name is Jesus Christ.
Hold fast to Him.
