The Decline of Christianity in America:

Notes from an eight-session class — Final Summary

Cannon Valley Elder Collegium, winter 2024.

“Is The Decline of Christianity in America A Good Thing,
Bad Thing, Neither or Both?” Led by Jan Linn.

Discovering Third Way Thinking:
Embracing Unity of Opposites

By Gary L. Engstrom

Summary of my thoughts and notes.

Introduction: Third Way Thinking

To understand the Third Way Thinking diagram that follows, you may need an introduction to the concept of “Unity of Opposites.”

Unity of Opposites, is something similar to paradox — being able to believe that two opposites are true at the same time — “less is more.” The two words contradict each other, but as a pair they contain a profound, perhaps, hidden or secret, message. Unity of Opposites is also called Coincidence of Opposites, traced back to Saint Bonaventure (1221–1274), along with Alan of Lille (1128–1202/03) and Nicholas of Cusa (1401–1464). Reference: A Center for Action and Contemplation article: “Coincidence of Opposites,” which makes reference to Fr. Richard Rohr’s musings on the topic.

This transforms the title of the course, doesn’t it? “A Good Thing, Bad Thing?” — Yes. “Neither or Both?” — Yes. But what does that mean? — Let’s talk about it!