Dr. Russell D. Moore, Associate Dean of Southern Seminary, recently delivered a thought-provoking address entitled ‘The Naked Public Square is Very Cold in Winter’ at The North Church in Louisville, Kentucky. In his remarks, Moore emphasized the need for Christians to confront secularism head-on and called for a new season of ‘Civic Theism.’
Moore argued that America’s current secular public square has become ‘quite cold and inhospitable to human civilization’ and that modern secular morality is ‘bankrupt, barbaric, and brittle.’ He criticized secular morality for its lack of satisfying answers to humanity’s deepest questions and its reliance on relativism, therapeutism, and hyper-individualism.
Moore proposed ‘Civic Theism’ as a doctrine that recognizes human beings’ innate, non-salvific awareness of God’s moral laws. He believes this awareness qualifies individuals for participation within political communities. Moore emphasized the importance of religious liberty and cautioned against using ‘Civic Theism’ to establish a theocracy.
Instead, he urged Christians to ‘preach the Gospel of Christ amid the ruins of secularism’ and to be present when people experience the negative consequences of secularism. Moore believes that Christians can offer hope and guidance to those who find themselves disillusioned and burned out from secularism.
Moore’s address reflects Southern Seminary’s commitment to equipping Christians to engage with the world’s pressing issues. The seminary emphasizes the importance of classical and Christian education and focuses on equipping biblical elders for pastoral, missionary, and academic ministry.
