I’m a freshman attending college in the Midwest and grew up in the Midwest. I had very good grades in high school but never applied to any out of state universities because, thanks to scholarships and financial support from parents, I have the opportunity to leave college debt free if I attend the main university in my state. Recently I’ve been thinking about how Christians might be able to influence culture for Christ better than we have been, and I’ve been considering the role that elite institutions and participating in these institutions has on culture. This has been causing me misgivings and some stress about not trying to attend a higher level institution. I think there was a decent chance that I could get into an Ivy League school, but it would put me in significant debt and take me hundreds of miles from everyone I know. This video helps by relieving some of that concern and making me more confident in trying to have an impact on culture from where I am, so thanks!
Some time ago I heard Aaron Renn speak to young men about finding a wife. He pointed out that the woman who would become his wife didn't notice him until he achieved a higher level of status, and encouraged young men to chase after a platform for similar results. The problem with this mindset is that someone attracted to status may cease to be attracted to you if you ever lose that status. I think you're right on the money with the pursuit of one's vocational calling. Apart from Christ and the teachings of the scriptures, there is no specific mold for us to fall into in terms of work, relationships, or hobbies. How little would be accomplished by a body made solely of legs, or of arms, or of eyes? Each part has its place.
I have definitely had some of the same thoughts Dr. Cooper, as someone who was born near the Philadelphia Mainline with a similar "vibe" I interacting now with the more middle of the country Evangelical base
It's interesting that this topic came up because I've recently thought about moving closing to the small town I grew up in, I'd be just a few hours drive away if I moved. The reoccurring assurance I say to myself is "things make sense there" as opposed to the Big West Coast City I've lived in for almost two decades now. Just interesting coincidence that you make this video at this time. I really appreciate your perspective.
A renewed emphasis on 1) discerning and 2) being faithful to our calling is welcome and needed in these times. As a general rule, arbitrarily moving around the country to find "greener grass" may be a sign that we don't have a strong conviction about our vocation. On the other hand, a distinct vocation may require a distinct move to enable it, but that is where discernment is required.
@kidflersh7807 agreed. Strictly speaking it is true. Faithfulness is what is expected, not worldly success. However, faithfulness creates behavior and cultures that lead to increased prosperity and success (such as kids raised by both parents inherently having better chances at a good career, avoiding poverty, etc). Christians obsessed with the "Faithfulness over success" mentality falsely equate being faithful with giving up any kind of prosperity. The opposite error as the prosperity gospel. Being poor and unsuccessful doesn't mean you are being faithful
To whom much is given, much will be required. Luke 12:48 There's no conflict between faithfulness and prosperity and worldly success, but it comes with the caveat that the Lord will expect much more from you because of it. "And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye if a needle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God." - Matthew 19:24
As a current boilermaker, I’m inclined to think Mr. Renn isn’t limited by his midwest heritage, but rather the lousy school he chose (IU). just kidding, but it was awesome to hear from both of you at the Issues etc. conference this year!
Not just society, but the Evangelical Church preaches and teaches a Christian hierarchy. Christians are supposed to climb the spirituality ladder. That is the message I got from decades in the Evangelical world.
You mean Gnosticism? Christianity requires people to strive to have the most positive impact on this world that they can. Turning your nose up at this world and only caring about the next is a Gnostic attitude, not a Christian one.
@@thealienrobotanthropologist Not exactly. I mean the message that we are supposed to become better and better Christians, that there is a trajectory of spiritual attainment. Good works are the fruit of faith, but they don't make us better Christians. A baptized Christian is a Christian, plain and simple. Good works don't prove we are Christians, either. We are Christians because of Christ. I heard a message by a mega church pastor years ago who put five or six stages of progress on the board, starting with unchurched and going up to fully committed follower of Jesus. This is elitism, and is not biblical, but it is the general message of the American church.
In mormon evangelicalism that certainly is the case that eveyone is on a different stage in the plan of salvation, this tends to put people into a caste depending on their ancestors and race, marital status, profession, the mormon royalty in Utah are usually lawyers and CEOs of businesses they're the ones going to mormon heaven, where there's celestial polygamy, divorced, gay, brown, and poor people have it bad, and are cursed, they are at the beginning rung of the straight and narrow, or more likely wandering around in the mists of darkness.
@@darylrahfeldt2162 We're called to greater holiness directly in Scripture multiple times. Wanting holiness is not bad in itself. The problem is that it relapses into reliance on self. A ladder, is of course, perverse, as it implies that you want to climb above others, whereas we actually want to pull others up, even beyond ourselves if at all possible.
Keep all those young "dudes" looking forward..praise be.hey I took in LCMS talks ,they would not make Woman's Day mag, if I talked like that I would be going out for dinner,yeah it would be on the back porch..!
a select group that is superior in terms of ability or qualities to the rest of a group or society. "the elite of Britain's armed forces" a group or class of people seen as having the greatest power and influence within a society, especially because of their wealth or privilege. "the country's governing elite" There are two types of elites. Alot of people have elite surnames but are not elites. (Meaning they are not wealthy or dont have status) Also, your taxes go to funding abortion among other things. I wouldn't stay in an elite state for power or status, in fact I didn't, In exchange for blood being on my hands. If you are not their to stop them or save lives. You shouldn't be there at all. The royals in Scotland, England, and France moved to the carolinas and went as far as Arkansas. They still are elites but have no power and yet they are still as snobby as ever. Like the Masons used to be elites in the Christian community and the temples for God, now they have become universalist satanists. My ancestors, in fact left masonry when they rebeled against God. Vanity of Vanity, their is no point to being elites. You will be lost to history as everything is. Secret nothing. Everytime we reformed the faith, you Christians always cause another problem, creating things like Mormons. You only leave remnants. Us and our ancestors do the same things over and over again. Can we keep our faith pure this time, please. Messiah made himself of no reputation being the highest elite on earth. Should we not do the same.
Which comes first STRIFE or GLUTTONY..?WHICH ADAM are WE..?DID U Take in the Lutheran Classical Seminary.Big Sky country.. ceremony ,impressive..?2025.Admiration for some,knowing,subjection,&ties..
![[UNCUT] "บอสณวัฒน์" แฉ! แหล่งซุกเงินแก๊งบอส ขยันผิดที่ไม่กี่ปีก็เข้าคุก l คนดังนั่งเคลียร์ l17ต.ค.67](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/BL56qIfXYZM/mqdefault.jpg)
I’m a freshman attending college in the Midwest and grew up in the Midwest. I had very good grades in high school but never applied to any out of state universities because, thanks to scholarships and financial support from parents, I have the opportunity to leave college debt free if I attend the main university in my state. Recently I’ve been thinking about how Christians might be able to influence culture for Christ better than we have been, and I’ve been considering the role that elite institutions and participating in these institutions has on culture.
This has been causing me misgivings and some stress about not trying to attend a higher level institution. I think there was a decent chance that I could get into an Ivy League school, but it would put me in significant debt and take me hundreds of miles from everyone I know. This video helps by relieving some of that concern and making me more confident in trying to have an impact on culture from where I am, so thanks!
Some time ago I heard Aaron Renn speak to young men about finding a wife. He pointed out that the woman who would become his wife didn't notice him until he achieved a higher level of status, and encouraged young men to chase after a platform for similar results. The problem with this mindset is that someone attracted to status may cease to be attracted to you if you ever lose that status.
I think you're right on the money with the pursuit of one's vocational calling. Apart from Christ and the teachings of the scriptures, there is no specific mold for us to fall into in terms of work, relationships, or hobbies. How little would be accomplished by a body made solely of legs, or of arms, or of eyes? Each part has its place.
I have definitely had some of the same thoughts Dr. Cooper, as someone who was born near the Philadelphia Mainline with a similar "vibe" I interacting now with the more middle of the country Evangelical base
It's interesting that this topic came up because I've recently thought about moving closing to the small town I grew up in, I'd be just a few hours drive away if I moved. The reoccurring assurance I say to myself is "things make sense there" as opposed to the Big West Coast City I've lived in for almost two decades now. Just interesting coincidence that you make this video at this time. I really appreciate your perspective.
Would love to hear you talk more about his Negative World-thesis. Here in Northern Europe we’ve had Negative World for 50 years.
A renewed emphasis on 1) discerning and 2) being faithful to our calling is welcome and needed in these times. As a general rule, arbitrarily moving around the country to find "greener grass" may be a sign that we don't have a strong conviction about our vocation. On the other hand, a distinct vocation may require a distinct move to enable it, but that is where discernment is required.
God Didn’t Call Us to Be Successful, He Called Us to Be Faithful.
I think this is a false dichotomy.
@kidflersh7807 agreed. Strictly speaking it is true. Faithfulness is what is expected, not worldly success. However, faithfulness creates behavior and cultures that lead to increased prosperity and success (such as kids raised by both parents inherently having better chances at a good career, avoiding poverty, etc). Christians obsessed with the "Faithfulness over success" mentality falsely equate being faithful with giving up any kind of prosperity. The opposite error as the prosperity gospel. Being poor and unsuccessful doesn't mean you are being faithful
To whom much is given, much will be required. Luke 12:48
There's no conflict between faithfulness and prosperity and worldly success, but it comes with the caveat that the Lord will expect much more from you because of it.
"And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye if a needle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God." - Matthew 19:24
Being elite is OK, but it does not mean that you’re better! if you are elite, then embrace it work on your craft to benefit others and yourself!!
I always think of Andy Bernard from The Office when I think of Cornell (that and the note-taking method)😆
As a current boilermaker, I’m inclined to think Mr. Renn isn’t limited by his midwest heritage, but rather the lousy school he chose (IU). just kidding, but it was awesome to hear from both of you at the Issues etc. conference this year!
Hierarchy is real. Elite Theory is true. A good primer on Elite Theory for people is probably Dr. Neema Parvini’s book “The Populist Delusion.”
A Royal Priesthood - Jordan
Not just society, but the Evangelical Church preaches and teaches a Christian hierarchy. Christians are supposed to climb the spirituality ladder. That is the message I got from decades in the Evangelical world.
You mean Gnosticism? Christianity requires people to strive to have the most positive impact on this world that they can. Turning your nose up at this world and only caring about the next is a Gnostic attitude, not a Christian one.
@@thealienrobotanthropologist Not exactly. I mean the message that we are supposed to become better and better Christians, that there is a trajectory of spiritual attainment. Good works are the fruit of faith, but they don't make us better Christians. A baptized Christian is a Christian, plain and simple. Good works don't prove we are Christians, either. We are Christians because of Christ. I heard a message by a mega church pastor years ago who put five or six stages of progress on the board, starting with unchurched and going up to fully committed follower of Jesus. This is elitism, and is not biblical, but it is the general message of the American church.
In mormon evangelicalism that certainly is the case that eveyone is on a different stage in the plan of salvation, this tends to put people into a caste depending on their ancestors and race, marital status, profession, the mormon royalty in Utah are usually lawyers and CEOs of businesses they're the ones going to mormon heaven, where there's celestial polygamy, divorced, gay, brown, and poor people have it bad, and are cursed, they are at the beginning rung of the straight and narrow, or more likely wandering around in the mists of darkness.
@@darylrahfeldt2162 We're called to greater holiness directly in Scripture multiple times. Wanting holiness is not bad in itself. The problem is that it relapses into reliance on self. A ladder, is of course, perverse, as it implies that you want to climb above others, whereas we actually want to pull others up, even beyond ourselves if at all possible.
Keep all those young "dudes" looking forward..praise be.hey I took in LCMS talks ,they would not make Woman's Day mag, if I talked like that I would be going out for dinner,yeah it would be on the back porch..!
a select group that is superior in terms of ability or qualities to the rest of a group or society.
"the elite of Britain's armed forces"
a group or class of people seen as having the greatest power and influence within a society, especially because of their wealth or privilege.
"the country's governing elite"
There are two types of elites. Alot of people have elite surnames but are not elites. (Meaning they are not wealthy or dont have status)
Also, your taxes go to funding abortion among other things. I wouldn't stay in an elite state for power or status, in fact I didn't, In exchange for blood being on my hands. If you are not their to stop them or save lives. You shouldn't be there at all.
The royals in Scotland, England, and France moved to the carolinas and went as far as Arkansas. They still are elites but have no power and yet they are still as snobby as ever.
Like the Masons used to be elites in the Christian community and the temples for God, now they have become universalist satanists. My ancestors, in fact left masonry when they rebeled against God.
Vanity of Vanity, their is no point to being elites. You will be lost to history as everything is. Secret nothing.
Everytime we reformed the faith, you Christians always cause another problem, creating things like Mormons.
You only leave remnants. Us and our ancestors do the same things over and over again.
Can we keep our faith pure this time, please.
Messiah made himself of no reputation being the highest elite on earth. Should we not do the same.
Which comes first STRIFE or GLUTTONY..?WHICH ADAM are WE..?DID U Take in the Lutheran Classical Seminary.Big Sky country.. ceremony ,impressive..?2025.Admiration for some,knowing,subjection,&ties..