Ultimately with R.C. Sproul: "Christians Are Not Pragmatists"

Episode Date: March 13, 2026

Episode Overview

In this episode of Ultimately with R.C. Sproul, the focus is on the distinction between Christian values and the philosophy of pragmatism. Drawing on biblical illustrations and the teachings of Jesus, R.C. Sproul challenges listeners to evaluate decisions not by immediate benefits, but by what is ultimately right and aligned with eternal truths. Through the story of Abraham and Lot, Sproul demonstrates the perils of making choices based only on short-term advantages while neglecting spiritual and moral considerations.

Main Themes & Discussion Points

1. The Critique of Pragmatism in Christian Life

• Pragmatism Defined:
  Pragmatism is described as the tendency to address issues based on immediate, short-term goals, often at the expense of deeper, long-term consequences.

  "Pragmatism has a tendency to move in the direction of... dealing with issues in terms of immediacies, short-term goals."
  — R.C. Sproul [01:00]

• The Christian Worldview:
  In contrast, the Christian perspective prioritizes ultimate outcomes, even if it means forgoing obvious or immediate gains.

  "The Christian philosophy, the Christian life and worldview is saying that quite often the short-term solution is ultimately destructive."
  — R.C. Sproul [01:15]

2. Jesus’ Warning Against Pragmatic Gain

• Sproul invokes Jesus' succinct condemnation of purely pragmatic reasoning:

  "What shall it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his own soul?"
  — Jesus (quoted by R.C. Sproul) [00:34]

• This, Sproul argues, is "the shortest critique on record of pragmatism" and places Jesus "on a collision course with contemporary value systems."
  — R.C. Sproul [00:40]

3. Old Testament Illustration: Abraham and Lot

• The Conflict:
  Abraham and Lot, both successful cattle ranchers, find their workers quarrelling over resources. Seeking peace, Abraham offers Lot the first choice of land.

  "We have a serious problem here that's threatening the harmony of our relationship and our business. Now, there ought to be some amicable agreement that we can reach, some practical solution to solve this problem."
  — R.C. Sproul, channeling Abraham [02:10]

Lot's Decision Process

• Lot evaluates two options:

  1. The Transjordan area: arid, unsuitable for cattle.
  2. The Jordan Valley: lush, fertile, with a modern city (Sodom) and all needed markets and facilities.

• R.C. Sproul narrates Lot’s reasoning:

  "Lot then turned his gaze to the Jordan Valley... right there in that valley is some of the most lush, fertile, beautiful grazing land that you ever laid eyes on. And not only that, but right in the middle of that valley... was a fully modernized city with the butcher shops and the slaughtering yards right there, right on the outskirts of town."
  — R.C. Sproul [03:30]

• Lot's Oversight:
  Lot’s decision focuses solely on economic gain—he does not consider the spiritual or moral environment.

  "A couple of things Lot didn't consider. He didn't ask questions like, where will my family live? Where will they go to church? Where will my children be educated? What kind of value system will be inculcated into the minds of my daughters? Those questions weren't even considered. But the immediate problem of fattening his cattle was solved."
  — R.C. Sproul [04:45]

The Consequences

• The city Lot chooses is Sodom. The result:

  • Lot’s cattle flourish.
  • His wife is turned into a pillar of salt.
  • His daughters become "totally degenerate" due to the city's corrupt morals.

  "Lot had one of the finest herds of cattle in the ancient world. And he had a wife who turned to a pillar of salt and two daughters who were totally degenerate because of the corruption of the pagans where they lived."
  — R.C. Sproul [05:25]

• Contrast with Abraham:

  • Abraham is less famous for material wealth, but his descendants become "the heirs of redemption for the world."

  "Abraham didn't do too badly. He's not famous, however, for his cattle. But his children became the heirs of redemption for the world."
  — R.C. Sproul [05:45]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “The shortest critique on record of pragmatism was uttered by Jesus of Nazareth when he made the statement, ‘What shall it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his own soul?’”
  — R.C. Sproul [00:34]

• On Lot’s business decision:
  “He looks down, he says, oh, my… my cattle will get fat… It’s economically simple and advantageous. Of course, this is the solution to my problem. And he says, Abraham, thank you very much for letting me have first pick. I'll take the city. And the problem of raising cattle was solved. A couple of things Lot didn't consider…”
  — R.C. Sproul [04:15]

• The consequence of pragmatism unchecked:
  “He had a wife who turned to a pillar of salt and two daughters who were totally degenerate because of the corruption of the pagans where they lived.”
  — R.C. Sproul [05:25]

Key Timestamps

• 00:00 – 01:00: Introduction to the theme; Jesus’ critique of pragmatism.
• 01:00 – 02:10: Comparing Christian worldview with pragmatic approaches.
• 02:10 – 05:00: Narrative of Abraham and Lot; decision-making dynamics.
• 05:00 – 05:45: Outcomes for Lot and Abraham; summary of the spiritual lesson.

Summary & Takeaway

R.C. Sproul urges listeners to resist making decisions purely based on short-term, pragmatic benefits, reminding Christians that such choices can lead to spiritual devastation. Through scriptural example and sharp insight, he calls for a focus on what is ultimately right—valuing the soul, faith, and legacy of belief over fleeting success or ease.

(End of content summary. Promotional material and outro excluded.)