Oneism vs. Twoism: Navigating Cultural and Spiritual Shifts

 

Summary

In our discussion today, we explored the profound cultural and spiritual shifts that have occurred over the past century, particularly focusing on the concepts of oneism and twoism. These terms help us understand the fundamental worldview differences that shape our society. Oneism posits that everything is essentially one, with no distinctions, leading to a worldview where the divine is seen as part of the world or the world itself. This perspective often results in the erasure of distinctions, such as those between genders or moral absolutes. In contrast, twoism acknowledges a fundamental distinction between the Creator and the creation, emphasizing the existence of a transcendent God who is separate from His creation.

We delved into how these worldviews have influenced various aspects of culture, from the sexual revolution of the 1960s to the rise of new spiritualities and the erosion of traditional moral and ethical standards. The 1960s marked a significant cultural shift, rejecting traditional authority and embracing new forms of spirituality and sexuality, which were deeply influenced by figures like Carl Jung. This era laid the groundwork for the pervasive influence of oneist thinking in today's society, affecting everything from science and law to education and politics.

In addressing the church's response to these cultural changes, we emphasized the importance of understanding and articulating a Christian worldview that is rooted in twoism. This involves recognizing the distinctiveness of God's creation and the unique role of humanity within it. Christians are called to engage with the culture thoughtfully, presenting the gospel in a way that addresses the underlying worldview issues rather than merely focusing on moral behavior.

Key Takeaways:

- Understanding Oneism and Twoism: Oneism blurs distinctions, seeing the divine as part of the world, while twoism maintains a clear distinction between Creator and creation. This understanding is crucial for navigating cultural shifts and maintaining a biblical worldview. [03:40]

- Cultural Shifts and Their Roots: The 1960s cultural revolution, influenced by thinkers like Carl Jung, rejected traditional norms and embraced new spiritualities, laying the groundwork for today's oneist worldview. This shift has deeply impacted Western culture, affecting morality, spirituality, and societal norms. [09:22]

- The Church's Response: Christians must be aware of the pervasive influence of oneism and respond by articulating a robust twoist worldview. This involves understanding the nature of existence as God created it and engaging with culture from a perspective that emphasizes the Creator-creature distinction. [25:32]

- Homosexuality and Paganism: The acceptance of homosexuality is seen as an embodiment of oneism, where distinctions are erased. The Apostle Paul connects this to a rejection of the Creator-creature distinction, highlighting the spiritual implications of cultural shifts in sexual ethics. [31:04]

- Environmentalism and the Gospel: While caring for creation is a biblical mandate, the worship of Gaia and utopian environmentalism reflect a oneist worldview. Christians are called to steward the earth responsibly, recognizing that ultimate redemption comes through the gospel, not human efforts. [37:55]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:12] - Introduction to Dr. Peter Jones
[00:43] - Dr. Jones' Relationship with John Lennon
[01:35] - Explaining Cultural Changes
[03:26] - Only Two Religions: Oneism and Twoism
[06:26] - Twoism and Christianity
[09:22] - Cultural Shifts of the 1960s
[12:15] - Influence of Carl Jung
[16:41] - Impact on Politics and Education
[19:15] - Oneism in Popular Culture
[22:27] - Influence on the Church
[24:45] - Christian Response to Cultural Changes
[30:24] - Homosexuality and Paganism
[37:35] - Environmentalism and Paganism
[41:21] - Twoism and the Gospel
[45:35] - Final Thoughts and Invitation

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Romans 1:25-27
2. Romans 12:1-2

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Observation Questions:

1. What are the key differences between oneism and twoism as described in the sermon? How do these concepts help us understand cultural shifts? [03:40]

2. How did the cultural revolution of the 1960s, influenced by figures like Carl Jung, contribute to the rise of oneist thinking in Western society? [09:22]

3. According to the sermon, how does the Apostle Paul in Romans 1:25-27 connect the acceptance of homosexuality to the rejection of the Creator-creature distinction? [31:04]

4. What role does the church have in responding to the pervasive influence of oneism, according to the sermon? [25:32]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the concept of oneism challenge traditional Christian beliefs, and what are the implications for how Christians engage with contemporary culture? [03:40]

2. In what ways did the 1960s cultural shifts impact the moral and ethical standards of today, and how can understanding this history help Christians navigate current cultural challenges? [09:22]

3. How does Romans 12:1-2 guide Christians in transforming their minds and bodies in response to cultural pressures? What does it mean to have a "transformed mind" in today's context? [28:21]

4. How can the church articulate a robust twoist worldview that addresses the underlying worldview issues rather than merely focusing on moral behavior? [25:32]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own worldview. Are there areas where you might be influenced by oneist thinking? How can you align your perspective more closely with a twoist worldview? [03:40]

2. The sermon suggests that the 1960s cultural revolution laid the groundwork for today's societal norms. How can understanding this history help you engage more effectively with cultural issues in your community? [09:22]

3. Romans 12:1-2 calls for a transformation of mind and body. What specific steps can you take this week to renew your mind and present your body as a living sacrifice? [28:21]

4. How can you engage in conversations about homosexuality and other cultural issues with compassion and truth, while maintaining a biblical perspective? [31:04]

5. The sermon highlights the importance of understanding the Creator-creature distinction. How does this understanding impact your daily life and interactions with others? [31:04]

6. In what ways can you contribute to your church's efforts to articulate a twoist worldview in response to cultural changes? [25:32]

7. How can you responsibly steward the earth while avoiding the pitfalls of utopian environmentalism? What practical steps can you take to care for creation in a way that honors God? [37:55]

Devotional

Day 1: Distinctions in Worldview: Oneism vs. Twoism
Understanding the difference between oneism and twoism is crucial for navigating the cultural shifts and maintaining a biblical worldview. Oneism blurs distinctions, seeing the divine as part of the world, leading to a worldview where everything is essentially one. This perspective often results in the erasure of distinctions, such as those between genders or moral absolutes. In contrast, twoism acknowledges a fundamental distinction between the Creator and the creation, emphasizing the existence of a transcendent God who is separate from His creation. Recognizing these distinctions helps Christians engage with the culture thoughtfully and maintain a biblical perspective. [03:40]

"For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together." (Colossians 1:16-17, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways have you seen the blurring of distinctions in your community or personal life? How can you actively uphold the Creator-creature distinction in your daily interactions?


Day 2: Cultural Shifts and Their Roots
The cultural revolution of the 1960s, influenced by thinkers like Carl Jung, marked a significant shift in Western society. This era rejected traditional norms and embraced new spiritualities, laying the groundwork for today's oneist worldview. The impact of this shift is evident in various aspects of culture, including morality, spirituality, and societal norms. Understanding the roots of these cultural changes helps Christians to better engage with the world around them and to articulate a Christian worldview that is rooted in twoism. [09:22]

"For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened." (Romans 1:21, ESV)

Reflection: How have the cultural shifts of the past influenced your own beliefs and values? What steps can you take to ensure your worldview is aligned with biblical principles?


Day 3: The Church's Response to Cultural Changes
Christians must be aware of the pervasive influence of oneism and respond by articulating a robust twoist worldview. This involves understanding the nature of existence as God created it and engaging with culture from a perspective that emphasizes the Creator-creature distinction. By doing so, Christians can present the gospel in a way that addresses the underlying worldview issues rather than merely focusing on moral behavior. This approach allows for a more meaningful engagement with the culture and a deeper understanding of the Christian faith. [25:32]

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12:2, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you actively engage with your community to present a twoist worldview? How can you ensure that your actions and words reflect the Creator-creature distinction?


Day 4: Homosexuality and Paganism
The acceptance of homosexuality is seen as an embodiment of oneism, where distinctions are erased. The Apostle Paul connects this to a rejection of the Creator-creature distinction, highlighting the spiritual implications of cultural shifts in sexual ethics. Understanding this connection helps Christians to engage with these issues thoughtfully and to articulate a biblical perspective on sexuality that is rooted in the Creator-creature distinction. [31:04]

"For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error." (Romans 1:26-27, ESV)

Reflection: How can you approach conversations about sexuality with grace and truth, while maintaining a biblical perspective? What steps can you take to ensure your beliefs are rooted in the Creator-creature distinction?


Day 5: Environmentalism and the Gospel
While caring for creation is a biblical mandate, the worship of Gaia and utopian environmentalism reflect a oneist worldview. Christians are called to steward the earth responsibly, recognizing that ultimate redemption comes through the gospel, not human efforts. By understanding the distinction between Creator and creation, Christians can engage with environmental issues in a way that honors God and reflects a biblical perspective. [37:55]

"The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein, for he has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers." (Psalm 24:1-2, ESV)

Reflection: How can you actively participate in caring for creation while maintaining a biblical perspective? What steps can you take to ensure your environmental efforts are rooted in the gospel and not in a oneist worldview?

Quotes



"Oneism posits that everything is essentially one, with no distinctions, leading to a worldview where the divine is seen as part of the world or the world itself. This perspective often results in the erasure of distinctions, such as those between genders or moral absolutes. In contrast, twoism acknowledges a fundamental distinction between the Creator and the creation, emphasizing the existence of a transcendent God who is separate from His creation." [00:03:40]

"From the 60s emerged this new spirituality which was called the new age, but in recent days we no longer talk about the new age and you have to wonder what happened. Well, actually the new age matured and no longer uses the term new age. It's become now called integral spirituality or Progressive spirituality." [00:13:41]

"Homosexuality is the embodiment of the Pagan notion of the world even though we have Evangelical Christians denying that, and here's why I think so because the Apostle Paul in Romans 1:26 says for this reason now what's verse 25 it's they exchanged the truth of God for the lie and worshiped and served the Creator rather than the creation." [00:30:24]

"While caring for creation is a biblical mandate, the worship of Gaia and utopian environmentalism reflect a oneist worldview. Christians are called to steward the earth responsibly, recognizing that ultimate redemption comes through the gospel, not human efforts." [00:37:55]

"Paul in Romans 1 doesn't hold back in describing homosexuality as against nature and so on and in other places that you cannot inherit the kingdom of God but he does that because he's so concerned that people like that don't miss eternal life, don't miss hearing the gospel." [00:35:41]

"Be not conformed to this world, your question about how the church is being affected by the culture really is the point of what Paul is saying here, how easy it is to conform our thinking to the world around us and so many now in time of doing that." [00:45:32]

"God requires holy bodies. Be not conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind and then give your bodies as a Living Sacrifice holy acceptable to God and I bring that down to the phrase God requires holy bodies and I mean by that intentional toist practical living." [00:48:00]

"Without twoism there is no gospel. What else does the Christian faith that's distinctly toist worldview offer to the world? Well, I don't want to give the impression that I'm the only one knowing how to do this. I'm just using these two phrases because they're useful." [00:41:21]

"Paul calls this a profound mystery: the two shall become one flesh. Now when he says that he's not talking about the elimination of the two but the maintenance of the two in a reconciled relationship and he says the meaning of the universe the mystery the great mystery is the mystery of God and Christ loving the church." [00:49:33]

"Seek a transformation of their wantest Minds by trying to see reality from God's perspective and hearing the message from that perspective of God's love for Sinners which is the basis of their ultimate significance and human value. We get human rights from God who is the ultimate Creator and distinct person." [00:46:35]

"Jesus himself says we in sort of wrapping up his thinking we are to love God the ultimate other and our neighbors are immediate other as we love ourselves we're our own other and that the law and the prophets grow out of these two Commandments in other words everything the scripture has to say has to do with love for the other." [00:50:00]

"Everything the scripture has to say has to do with love for the other and if you have a oness system you see there is ultimately no place for the other. Paul calls this a profound mystery: the two shall become one flesh. Now when he says that he's not talking about the elimination of the two but the maintenance of the two in a reconciled relationship." [00:50:30]

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Transcript
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