Why do we in the west value things like equality, compassion, and freedom? These virtues are so woven into our DNA they feel automatic to us. Such virtues, however, are not a given across all time and all peoples. There’s a reason we see headlines and collectively cry out, “Consent!” Or demand, “Progress!”

These virtues are the direct result of the holiday we celebrated this past Sunday—Easter.

Our reflex to march for justice or to lift the marginalized come from somewhere. On this episode of All Things I’m talking to Glen Scrivener who wrote The Air We Breathe: How We All Came to Believe in Freedom, Kindness, Progress, and Equality. Glen points us back to what he calls the “Jesus revolution”—the way the world (and especially the west) totally changed after Jesus Christ lived, died, and rose again.

We dive into history stretching from the Roman Empire to 2023. We trace the birthplace of these virtues in Christianity and see how they impact our current moment.

Glen helps us reflect especially on the value and treatment of women. We cry “Me too” today precisely because we know women deserve to be treated well, protected, and cared for. But why do we think that? The Roman Empire certainly did not—female infanticide was practiced in the first century. Christ and his church came on the scene, valuing life, dignity, and caring for the marginalized. The Jesus revolution changed how women, and all marginalized groups, are seen and treated.

Easter was the beginning of the Jesus revolution—Christ’s life, death, and resurrection is not simply a nice story or tradition. It truly changed everything. If you uphold compassion and equality, it’s because of Jesus and his massive influence over the last 2,000 years.

Resources mentioned on this episode:

Dominion by Tom Holland: https://amzn.to/3TRbyGf

The Case Against the Sexual Revolution by Louise Perry: https://amzn.to/3nw2tXh

The Air We Breathe: How We All Came to Believe in Freedom, Kindness, Progress, and Equality by Glen Scrivener: https://us.10ofthose.com/product/9781784987497/the-air-we-breathe-paperback?affiliate=jenoshman

Follow Glen Scrivener at https://speaklife.org.uk/