The Desecration of Man, Part 2

In this second part of a two-session conversation, pastors Todd Pruitt and Carl Truman continue their deep exploration of Carl's new book, *The Desecration of Man*, examining how modernity's rejection of the theological foundation of human dignity—being made in the image of God—has led to a dehumanizing culture. They discuss how the modern emphasis on radical individual freedom has eroded the sense of belonging, community, and mutual obligation, creating a crisis in human identity. The conversation turns to pressing bioethical issues: reproductive technologies like IVF and surrogacy, which risk reducing children to property; prenatal screening and gene editing that threaten the lives of people with disabilities; and the looming possibility of creating humans from skin cells or implanting wombs in male bodies. The hosts argue that without a robust, biblically grounded anthropology, the church cannot offer coherent moral guidance. They conclude with practical pastoral advice: prioritize teaching on human dignity, emphasize embodied corporate worship, cultivate hospitality, and engage with resources like John Kleining’s *Theology of the Body* and Christopher West’s work to equip congregations.