Standing Firm on God’s Word in a Changing Culture

During a recent presentation at the Cornwall Alliance conference which executive director, Dan Janzen attended, Patricia Engler of Answers in Genesis challenged Christians to recognize how biblical truth is increasingly being replaced by human-centered worldviews. Her presentation, “Marx Is Back in Green,” examined how modern Marxist ideology has resurfaced in today’s culture, often through movements centered on climate change, social justice, identity politics, and other cultural issues. Dr. Calvin Beisner is president and founder of Cornwall Alliance and was also one of our keynote speakers at our 2026 FCFI annual conference in Branson, MO last week.

Drawing from her research, Engler explained that while Karl Marx’s original theories focused on economic class struggles, modern or “neo-Marxist” thinking has shifted the focus toward conflicts between different identity groups. She argued that many current cultural movements divide society into “oppressors” and “the oppressed,” encouraging people to define themselves primarily by group identity rather than by their relationship with God.

She emphasized that these philosophies present a false gospel because they identify society or economic systems as humanity’s greatest problem, while Scripture clearly teaches that sin is the root problem affecting every human heart. Because of this, no political system or social movement can accomplish what only Jesus Christ can do through the Gospel.

A significant portion of the presentation traced the historical development of these ideas. Engler explained how early socialist thinkers, Karl Marx, Antonio Gramsci, the Frankfurt School, and later critical theories (particularly from Germany) helped shape many ideas influencing today’s culture. She also described how environmental concerns are increasingly being connected with broader social and political agendas, warning Christians to carefully examine these messages through the authority of Scripture rather than accepting them without discernment.

Engler also discussed several cultural trends that she believes make societies more vulnerable to accepting these worldviews. Among them were the weakening of biblical education, increasing social isolation, the normalization of moral compromise, the elevation of personal feelings above biblical truth, and the growing use of technology for monitoring and influencing behavior. She encouraged believers to recognize these patterns while responding with wisdom rather than fear.

Rather than focusing only on the problems, the presentation concluded with practical encouragement for Christians. Engler stressed that believers should strengthen three foundational areas of their lives:

• Spiritual foundations by consistently reading God’s Word, praying, memorizing Scripture, and building a personal relationship with Christ.
• Intellectual foundations by learning biblical apologetics and developing critical thinking skills so they can evaluate ideas through a biblical worldview.
• Interpersonal foundations by remaining actively involved in strong Christian communities, faithful local churches, and mentoring relationships that provide encouragement and accountability.

She also encouraged Christians to actively defend the biblical family, disciple the next generation, wisely use technology, protect the value of every human life, know their legal rights, refuse to compromise biblical truth, and respond to opposition by speaking the truth in love while overcoming evil with good.

Throughout the presentation, Engler repeatedly reminded listeners that the Christian response is not fear, political activism alone, or cultural retreat. Instead, believers are called to remain firmly rooted in God’s Word, faithfully proclaim the Gospel, and trust Christ, who has already overcome the world.

Her closing challenge was simple but powerful: while cultures and ideologies will continue to change, God’s truth never changes. Christians who build their lives on Scripture, stay connected to the body of Christ, and remain faithful to the Great Commission can confidently stand firm in an increasingly uncertain world.

If you are interested in the rising to the challenge of defending our faith from these vain philosophies and discipling others in worldview please contact Dan Janzen, FCFI executive director.