In this episode of Theology for the People, Nick Cady sits down with theologian and professor Bradley Greene to unpack one of the most commonly mentioned but rarely understood ideas in today’s cultural moment: critical theory.
Many people have heard of critical race theory—but Greene explains that critical theory is actually a much older and broader worldview rooted in Marxist thought and developed by the Frankfurt School. More than just a social theory, Greene argues that critical theory functions as a kind of alternative theology—with its own views of reality, sin, and redemption.
In this conversation, you’ll learn:
- The distinction between critical theory as a whole, and critical race theory specifically
- How Marxism evolved from economics into cultural Marxism
- Why critical theory focuses on oppression and liberation
- What Greene means by calling critical theory a “Christian heresy”
- How critical theory borrows from—and distorts—biblical categories like creation, sin, and redemption
- Why institutions like family and church are viewed as oppressive within this framework
- What Christians can affirm, critique, and learn from critical theory
- Why the gospel offers a better and more complete answer
Greene also highlights an important insight: while critical theory correctly identifies that something is wrong in the world, it ultimately misdiagnoses the root problem—and therefore offers a flawed solution.
If you’ve ever wondered how to think clearly—and biblically—about critical theory, this episode will give you helpful categories and clarity.
