It’s often said that one day or one moment can change the entire course of one’s life. But can the same be said for the world? According to Andrew Wilson, the answer is a resounding yes. In his thought-provoking book, Remaking the World: How 1776 Created the Post-Christian West, Wilson argues it only took one year—1776—to set the Western world on a path that would redefine its cultural, religious, and political landscape.
This pivotal year altered the Western world’s trajectory and led to what Wilson describes as a WEIRDER society: Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, Democratic, Ex-Christian, and Romantic. In this book, Wilson analyzes seven significant events of 1776 and how these events shaped the West and continue to influence our lives today. In writing this book, he aims to help Christians understand our contemporary world’s roots and offer guidance on how to love, live, and thrive within it.
The book is structured into three parts. Part one, Changes, sets the stage by explaining how 1776 was a uniquely influential year in making the world WEIRDER. Wilson illustrates this through examples that show how that year’s events still affect our daily lives.
In part two, Origins, Wilson explores seven critical revolutions that contributed to our WEIRDER transformation. These include globalization, the Enlightenment, the Industrial Revolution, the rise of post-Christianity, and the dawn of Romanticism. Wilson examines these events, revealing how they collectively contributed to the modern West’s cultural, political, and economic fabric.
The last part, Response, provides practical guidance for Christians navigating this WEIRDER world. Drawing from historical examples of Christians living in 1776, Wilson delivers insights into how believers can live faithfully in today’s WEIRDER world.
Wilson’s engaging and informative writing makes Remaking the World a riveting and fascinating read! Coming from a non-Western background, I was faintly familiar with some events and entirely ignorant of others. As a result, I found this book not only thrilling but also incredibly educational. I loved learning Western history from such a knowledgeable historian. Wilson skillfully connects disparate events into a cohesive narrative that explains the evolution of the Western world. The chapter on the West’s transition to an ex-Christian society was particularly enlightening. I enjoyed discovering how Protestantism inadvertently paved the way for the post-Christian West.
Despite the interesting historical analysis, I questioned its relevance. Why does it matter if we are WEIRDER? Wilson addresses this in the final section, explaining the significance of understanding these changes and offering practical applications for Christians today. This made the book historical and practical.
In conclusion, Remaking the World is a fascinating, well-researched account of one of the most influential years in Western history. Whether you agree or disagree with Wilson’s conclusions about 1776, this book provides a rich historical narrative that will captivate anyone interested in history, culture, or religion. I highly recommend it to history enthusiasts and those interested in the cultural evolution of the West.
*Crossway graciously gave me a copy for an honest review.*
