We speak of equality, freedom, and compassion as if they were self-evident truths. But what if these cherished ideals are not universal instincts, but inherited convictions—gifts from a story we’ve forgotten? Glen Scrivener’s The Air We Breathe is a bold, winsome reminder that the moral framework of the modern West is not secular by default, but deeply Christian in origin.
About the Author
Glen Scrivener is an Australian-born evangelist, speaker, and writer based in the UK, where he leads the ministry Speak Life. Known for his creative gospel presentations and theological clarity, Scrivener has long been a voice bridging apologetics and pastoral care. His previous works, including The Gift and 321: The Story of God, the World, and You, reflect his commitment to making Christian truth accessible and compelling. In The Air We Breathe, he steps into the cultural conversation with both warmth and intellectual rigour.
Summary & Key Themes
Scrivener opens with a striking metaphor: we are like goldfish unaware of the water around us. Western culture swims in Christian ethics—freedom, kindness, progress, equality—yet rarely acknowledges their source. This book is his invitation to look beneath the surface.
1. Seven Values, One Source
Scrivener explores seven foundational values of the modern West:
Equality: Once unthinkable in ancient societies, now a moral cornerstone.
Compassion: A virtue alien to Roman stoicism, now central to justice.
Consent: In relationships and governance, rooted in dignity and agency.
Enlightenment & Science: Often seen as secular triumphs, yet birthed in Christian soil.
Freedom & Progress: Not inevitable, but shaped by the Christian story of liberation and hope.
He contrasts these with the brutal norms of the ancient world—infanticide, slavery, and elitism—and shows how Christianity introduced a “moral earthquake” that reshaped human worth and societal vision.
2. Three Audiences, One Invitation
Scrivener writes for the “nones” (those with no religious affiliation), the “dones” (those who’ve left faith behind), and the “wons” (those still walking with Christ). His tone is conversational, often humorous, and never condescending. He doesn’t argue so much as illuminate—tracing the fingerprints of Jesus across history, ethics, and even pop culture.
Reader Impact
This book doesn’t just inform—it reframes. Readers may walk away with a renewed sense of gratitude, humility, and curiosity. It’s a gentle but firm reminder that our moral instincts are not neutral—they’re inherited. And if we forget their source, we risk distorting their meaning. Scrivener’s writing invites reflection, not reaction; it’s apologetics with a pastoral heart.
Ideal Reader + Use Case
Perfect for:
- Thoughtful sceptics and seekers
- Small groups exploring faith and culture
- Christian educators and youth leaders
- Anyone wrestling with the relevance of Christianity in modern life
It’s especially useful in apologetics settings, worldview discussions, or as a bridge-building resource in secular environments.
Related Titles at Koorong
If this book resonates, consider:
Dominion by Tom Holland – a secular historian’s take on Christianity’s cultural legacy.
Confronting Christianity by Rebecca McLaughlin – a thoughtful response to modern objections to faith.
🛒 Explore It for Yourself
You can find The Air We Breathe at Koorong. Whether you’re a believer, a questioner, or somewhere in between, this book offers a fresh lens on the values we hold dear. Read it slowly. Share it widely. And breathe deeply.
