The march of civilization changes cultures and values, but religious beliefs and faith have been a reassuring constant during those changing times of conflict and transformation. Drawing from historical, sociological, and theological perspectives, the Boniface Option by Andrew Isker is a modern response to our current socio-cultural struggles with broader implications for contemporary Christianity.
Historical Context: Who was Boniface?
Saint Boniface, born in the 7th century AD in England, was a missionary who ventured into the Germanic territories to evangelize the pagan tribes. Known for his audacity, one of the most iconic moments of his life was when he felled the Donar Oak, a sacred tree worshipped by the local Germanic tribes. This act was not just a rejection of pagan practices but a symbolic gesture of the potency and supremacy of Christianity over the traditional beliefs of the region.
The Boniface Option: Unpacking Isker’s Vision
In the shadow of Rod Dreher’s “Benedict Option,” which advocates for a form of strategic withdrawal by Christians from the mainstream culture, Andrew Isker’s Boniface Option offers a different perspective. Rather than retreating, Isker suggests a bold confrontation with the worldviews and ideologies contrary to Christian orthodoxy, much as Boniface’s confrontation with pagan practices.
Isker’s proposition challenges Christians to engage robustly with society as a voice of moral authority. This does not necessarily imply a theocratic vision but rather an encouragement to Christians to champion their values and beliefs within the public square.
Significance in Today’s Socio-Cultural Climate
The Boniface Option emerges at a time when secularism and religious pluralism are at their zenith. Modern society often views religion as anachronistic, sometimes even antithetical to progress. In such an environment, a proposal to confront, rather than withdraw, is bold and countercultural and is reminiscent of the early spread of Christianity.
Isker’s vision recognizes that Christianity has historically flourished not in isolation, but when its tenets are actively lived out in the public domain. Just as Boniface’s actions eventually paved the way for the Christianization of the Germanic tribes, the active engagement of Christians today might similarly shape the moral and ethical contours of modern society.
Broader Implications for Contemporary Christianity
The Boniface Option is not without its critics. Some argue that an aggressive approach risks further polarization and reduces Christianity’s appeal in an already skeptical world as fewer and fewer people attend worship services. Others believe a combative stance could eclipse the religion’s core messages of love, grace, and compassion.
However, Isker’s proposal might be seen less as a call to arms and more as an invitation for Christians to live out their faith openly as witnesses to Christ and resist passive assimilation. It is a reminder that like Boniface, confronting societal norms is sometimes necessary to pave the way for transformative change and is not without risk.
Conclusion
The Boniface Option, as put forth by Andrew Isker, is a compelling proposition for modern Christians navigating a rapidly changing world. Just as Saint Boniface boldly confronted the pagan practices of his time, Isker challenges Christians to engage assertively with today’s secular worldviews. Whether one agrees with this approach or not, it undeniably ignites a crucial dialogue on the role and response of Christianity in the contemporary world.