Thinking Fellows: "Why You Should Have a Low Anthropology"

Date: April 19, 2022
Hosts: Caleb Keith, Scott Keith, Adam Francisco
Episode Theme:
A rich discussion on the theological and practical significance of "low anthropology"—the Christian perspective that humans are inherently sinful and inclined toward self-interest. The hosts examine this doctrine’s scriptural basis, push back against both cultural optimism and despair, and reflect on its importance for the church and individual Christian life.

Main Theme Overview

This episode explores why a "low anthropology"—a realistic, perhaps even pessimistic, view of human nature—is both honest and essential from a Christian perspective. Drawing on classic doctrines like original sin and total depravity, the hosts argue that acknowledging human brokenness isn't just a theological stance but a practical mindset for daily life, engagement with culture, and understanding the gospel.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Defining "Low Anthropology" (03:15–06:31)

• Scott Keith: The phrase "low anthropology" was popularized by David Zahl and Mockingbird, even appearing on bumper stickers (03:12).
• A low anthropology reflects “the Christian view of sin, a sort of historically orthodox Christian view…to acknowledge that all people are born sinful and short of the glory of God” (03:39).
• It's mistaken to equate total depravity with sociopathy—it means that sin pervades every aspect of human nature, not that everyone is as bad as possible.
• Even the most outwardly moral or sanctified people remain sinners until the resurrection: “They're redeemed sinners.” (05:30)

Scott: “I’m appalled, but not surprised” when any public figure is revealed as sinful. (06:36)

Contrasting "Low" vs. "High" Anthropology (06:37–09:53)

• The hosts discuss how personal disappointment (e.g., over JFK's infidelity) demonstrates high anthropology—expecting moral greatness in others.
• Recognizing that everyone is actively self-interested and sinful daily is the heart of low anthropology (08:10).

Caleb: “It's not just that everybody's capable of bad...every single person is guilty of it and actively committing self-interested sinful acts every single day without fail.” (08:46)

• It’s reasonable to expect decency of close acquaintances, but not strangers or public figures seen only via media (08:55).

The Corrosive Power of Fame & Power (09:56–11:34)

• Fame increases a person’s tendency to “believe their own rhetoric”—fewer checks on willfulness (09:56).
• Tony Hawk cited: “The worst drug on the planet is fame.” (10:54)

Implications for Cultural Engagement & Christian Witness (11:34–14:24)

• Adam Francisco discusses how a low anthropology should make Christians less surprised by depravity in culture and less invested in “culture wars” (11:37).
• Reference to 1 John 1:8–10—denying sin is self-deception and makes God a liar (13:19).

Scott: “If you walk around acting like...you're shocked when the rest of the world isn't [perfect], you're literally making Christ out to be a liar...” (13:52)

Biblical Support for a Low View of Human Nature (14:54–19:41)

• Paul, Galatians 5—“acts of the flesh are obvious” (14:54), not surprising.
• Luther’s era: even in “Christian” societies, blatant public immorality prevailed (16:34).
• Christianity doesn’t thrive or falter with societal morals; the gospel has flourished even amidst widespread debauchery (17:13).
• Cultural improvement movements often reflect semi-Pelagian optimism—a belief in an improvable, recoverable spark of goodness in human nature (17:39).

Caleb: “The difference between a decent person and a bad person is the amount of striving, awareness, church attendance...that there's something recoverably good inside...” (18:33)

Real Transformation—By Gospel, Not Moral Effort (19:18–21:26)

• Jesus in Mark 7—evils come from within, not external influences (19:18).
• Real change requires a new heart, a new spirit—only given by God through resurrection/new creation (20:36).
• Children’s hymn “This Little Light of Mine”—the true “light” is not innate in us, but is the gospel killing and making alive (21:04).

Responding to Culture & the Limits of "Saving" the World (21:26–25:58)

• Hating immorality is appropriate, but every era (including ours) has its unique sins (21:26).
• Christians shouldn't conflate societal prosperity (e.g., in America) with the success or purity of the gospel; civilizations rise and fall but the church and the gospel persist (25:44).

Vocation vs. Salvation—Serving the Present World (27:11–29:46)

• Preserving “Western civilization” is vocational (i.e., for the neighbor’s good), not salvific.
• Every government and civilization eventually falls—another reason to maintain a sober view of humanity (28:14).

Scott: “There is not one example in human history of a...good government lasting forever.” (28:21)

Living in a Post-Christendom Era (30:23–34:38)

• The church is no longer privileged as in the "Christendom" era, and Christians must adapt to being outsiders.
• The decline of Christian privilege is not to be celebrated, but it should temper shock over secular values dominating society.
• Privileges like clergy tax-exempt status are remnants of Christian dominance—soon to vanish (32:29).

Adam: “Why would it surprise us that non-Christian theists, atheists...would not give two rips about what the local pastor says about topic X, Y, and Z?” (34:17)

The Dangers of High Anthropology in Christian Life (35:11–40:12)

• It's easy to focus on others’ sins, ignoring subtler sins like pride or self-satisfaction (self-righteousness).
• Even gratitude or affirmation can stoke the “old Adam” of pride.
• The Reformation’s heart: salvation is not about “doing what is in you”—what’s in you is corrupt. Righteousness is alien, from outside, received by faith (38:50–39:37).

Adam: “Luther came to realize very quickly that what is in you is dark, it's evil, it's really bad... That righteousness is not... some spark... you just need to fan into flame. You need... an alien righteousness..." (39:36)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Scott Keith: “I’m appalled, but not surprised.” (06:36)
• Caleb Keith: “It's not the world making you bad.” (19:39)
• Adam Francisco: “Why would it surprise us that non Christian theists, atheists or Wiccans...would not give two rips about what the local pastor says...?” (34:17)
• Scott Keith: “There is not one example in human history of a...good government lasting forever.” (28:21)
• Adam Francisco: “Luther came to realize...what is in you is dark, it's evil, it's really bad...you need an alien righteousness...that’s the heart and soul of the Reformation.” (39:36)

Important Timestamps

• 03:12 — Introduction and definition of "low anthropology"
• 06:36 — On not being surprised by public figures’ sins
• 09:56 — Fame’s corrupting influence; Tony Hawk quote
• 13:19 — 1 John 1:8–10—denying sin makes God a liar
• 14:54 — Galatians 5—“acts of the flesh are obvious”
• 19:18 — Mark 7, evil comes from within
• 21:04 — “This Little Light of Mine” discussed
• 25:44 — Conflating American prosperity and gospel effectiveness
• 28:21 — No government lasts forever
• 32:29 — The end of “Christendom” and Christian privilege
• 34:17 — Why be surprised at secular society’s values?
• 39:36 — Luther and the Reformation’s “alien righteousness”

Tone & Style

Throughout, the conversation maintains a friendly, witty, and sometimes self-deprecating tone, with the hosts balancing theological seriousness and humor (“I have a bumper sticker that says low anthropology,” “the great philosopher Tony Hawk”). They speak directly and candidly about the realities of sin, resisting both despair and naiveté.

Takeaway

Embracing a “low anthropology” isn’t about pessimism or disengagement—it’s about realism. Recognizing the pervasive brokenness of human nature keeps Christians grounded, humble, and reliant on Christ’s alien righteousness, rather than surprised by the world or invested in utopian culture wars. This view properly orients believers in both their gospel proclamation and their daily service to others: “Ultimately, God’s going to judge… we’re all going to fall short if we’re left up to our own devices.” (27:11)