Viahal Mangalwadi, one of the most original and important public intellectuals speaking today, presents yet another illuminating lecture. Notes on this lecture appear below the video. Note: On April 28, 2022, Jordan B. Peterson interviewed Mangalwadi for an hour and 45 minutes on the topic "India, Europe & Biblical Revolution."
The Bible and Freedom: Individual and National
Dr. Vishal Mangalwadi highlights the significant role the Bible played in shaping modern society, particularly in the context of family, freedom, and political structures. discusses how the modern concept of the family, particularly in the West, was influenced by Martin Luther's teachings, especially his "table talks," which offered a new understanding of the family rooted in biblical principles.
Dr Mangalwadi emphasizes that freedom is at the heart of the Bible's message. He references John 8 and Galatians 5:1 to illustrate that true freedom comes from abiding in the word of Christ. He traces the development of individual and national liberty in the West and India back to biblical teachings, particularly through Luther's exposition of the book of Galatians.
He argues that the concept of political freedom in the West, including the American Revolution and the creation of nation-states like the USA, Holland, and Switzerland, was deeply influenced by biblical principles. These nations rejected the imperialism of ancient empires, which were often based on Greek and Roman political ideas, and instead embraced the idea of nationhood as ordained by God.
Dr Mangalwadi discusses how the Bible initiated multiple educational revolutions, starting with the Carolingian Renaissance and later through Martin Luther's reforms. Luther's belief in universal education was based on the idea that every child should be educated to know God and His will, which he saw as essential for both spiritual and political freedom.
He also touches on contemporary issues, such as the case of Jordan Peterson, to illustrate how modern intellectual freedom is under threat, drawing parallels to historical struggles for religious and political liberty. He suggests that the decline of biblical influence in education and society is leading to a loss of individual freedoms in the West​.