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Bonus Episode: Steven Pinker - The Blank Slate (2002). A Christian Reflection
Episode Description
This is a between-the-seasons bonus episode. I shall be back again on Monday to launch our new season on the book(s) of Kings. Back in October 2025, I read and studied. The Psychologist and Philosopher Steven Pinker's book 'The Blank Slate. As part of a study group I belong to. This is my reaction to it, first made available as a 'Patreon Only' bonus episode.
Title: Beyond the Blank Slate.
Episode Notes:
The Blank Slate by Steven Pinker is one of the most influential and controversial books in modern psychology. Pinker dismantles three persistent myths about human nature — the Blank Slate, the Noble Savage, and the Ghost in the Machine — arguing that our minds are not infinitely malleable, but deeply shaped by evolution and biology.
From a Christian perspective, this raises important questions. If his argument about human nature is real, what does that mean for morality, responsibility, and redemption? Can a scientific understanding of human nature coexist with a biblical one?
Segments:
- Steven Pinker and the Modern Mind
- The Three Myths of Human Nature
- The Case for Human Nature
- A Christian Response to the Moral Implications
- Beyond the Blank Slate — Grace and the Image of God
Scripture references:
Genesis 1:26–27 · Romans 3:23 · John 1:3–4 · 2 Corinthians 5:17
Reading List:
Steven Pinker, The Blank Slate (Penguin Books, 2002)
C.S. Lewis, The Abolition of Man
Alister McGrath, The Open Secret
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