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When we say the Apostles Creed, we say we believe in the communion of the saints, Even though we are indeed individuals. Christianity is not a religion of individualism. Whenever God deals with me as a person, as a private individual, and he redeems my soul privately and individually, he immediately places me in a group. He immediately places me in a community that the New Testament calls the Church. And today the living Jerusalem in our lives is to be the visible Church where the people of God are gathered in community.
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Episode: Christianity vs. Individualism
Date: March 30, 2026
Host: Ligonier Ministries
Featured Speaker: R.C. Sproul
In this brief but impactful episode, R.C. Sproul confronts the tension between modern individualism and the communal focus of historic Christianity. Drawing directly from creedal statements and biblical teachings, Sproul examines how genuine Christian faith moves believers from personal faith to active participation in the community—the Church. The episode highlights the danger of an overly individualistic approach to spirituality, reaffirming the corporate nature of redemption and Christian living.
[00:00]
Quote:
“When we say the Apostles Creed, we say we believe in the communion of the saints, Even though we are indeed individuals. Christianity is not a religion of individualism.”
—R.C. Sproul [00:00]
[00:15]
Quote:
“Whenever God deals with me as a person, as a private individual, and he redeems my soul privately and individually, he immediately places me in a group. He immediately places me in a community that the New Testament calls the Church.”
—R.C. Sproul [00:15]
[00:44]
Quote:
“And today the living Jerusalem in our lives is to be the visible Church where the people of God are gathered in community.”
—R.C. Sproul [00:44]
With his characteristic clarity, R.C. Sproul draws the listener from doctrinal affirmation (“the communion of saints”) to practical application—the essential nature of Christian community. He rebuffs the self-centered notion that faith is just “Jesus and me,” emphasizing instead God's design for believers to live and grow together. For those wrestling with the pull of radical individualism, this episode serves as a timely, theologically-rich correction: to be Christian is to belong to Christ’s body, visible in the Church.
Note:
This episode is concise but foundational for understanding why Christianity cannot be separated from Christian community, offering biblical and creedal backing for living out faith together.