Let’s explore the life and ideas of Gordon Childe, the renowned archaeologist who significantly influenced our modern view of the rise of civilizations. Here’s what Lewis Binford says of Childe: “Gordon Childe’s legacy extends far beyond his own writings. He trained and inspired a generation of archaeologists who went on to make their own significant contributions to the field. His influence can be felt in virtually every aspect of modern archaeological theory and practice.”
As can be expected, the Genesis narrative and Biblical Flood both account for the rise of civilization from a very different perspective than the humanist, so-called empiricist view of human history as offered by Gordon Childe. While we who believe Scripture to be inspired, view the Biblical account as solid footing, Childe took a very humanistic approach to history and the development of civilization.
This is important, because his ideas underpin a good deal about ancient history, even to this day. He says: “The scientific method is the only reliable way of understanding the world. It is based on observation, experimentation, and rational analysis. It is the best tool we have for uncovering the truths about the universe and our place in it.”
And while we have great appreciation for the scientific method, we have a firm belief that as we place our hope in the foundational, immovable truth of the Bible, it will not lead us astray. It will, in fact, lead us to greater scientific, archaeological, and spiritual truth. Childe, on the other hand, says this in regard to the Bible, and other religious texts: “Religious texts are rich sources of cultural and historical information. However, they must be interpreted with caution, taking into account their historical context and the cultural milieu in which they were written.”
I agree with his statement when it comes to religious texts… but not when it comes to texts that have stood up to historical scrutiny like the Biblical record. In other words, Childe’s foundational approach to the development of society is purely based on what can be observed in the natural world through archaeology and other means. He also states that Darwinian theory was a necessary foundation for his view of civilizational development, Quote: “The mental powers that enable men to construct the realm of civilization can only be understood as products of evolution. They have slowly evolved through the long process of organic and cultural evolution that began with the origin of life itself.” (Man Makes Himself 1936)
So where did this approach to archaeology and ancient history lead Childe? We know two things for sure: It first led him to Marxism, and then eventually to suicide. And ultimately that IS what happens to a person (and a society) that rejects God’s word and tries to explain reality from a different lens. Childe, because he underpinned his work with Darwinism, and eventually Marxism, couldn’t see what was right in front of him! He was obviously a master at his work and often saw things that should have been clues to Intelligently Designed Humans functioning from early history with brilliance.
Here is one of his observations: “The New Stone Age farmers were in no sense primitive. They had all the essentials of a civilized society—urban centers, specialized crafts, social classes and political organization…” This observation fits well with the Word of God. The Biblical perspective tells of a complex and sophisticated antediluvian society that becomes grossly sinful and rebellious toward God’s law.
It then progresses to the subsequent global flood which wiped out society, the post-diluvian “Table of Nations,” and the dispersion of the nations throughout the earth after God’s judgment at the Tower of Babel.
And then society begins to rebuild! Essentially, Childe observed a society with sophistication, but because of evolutionary theory his conclusions were wrong. He didn’t see people that were recovering from a global catastrophe. He saw civilization slowly evolving over time, reaching greater levels of sophistication. Childe’s view is summed up here: “Civilization is not a natural state of humanity; it is the result of human effort and ingenuity.” Ultimately, Childe concluded that we are building another tower of Babel. Civilization is simply the result of human effort!
He didn’t see a place for God in his story, so it led him toward a godless and prideful end. His life ended in loneliness, grief, and suicide. And his ideas bear the same fruit of hopelessness in the generation that receives them. But we can take another road! Because when we view history through the lens of redemption, not only does it have a sense of coherence, but it also offers us the joy of relationship with God, showing that there is true meaning to history.
We’ve been struggling with alarming statistics for suicide over the past dozen years, and there is a correlation with this and the rise in popularity of humanist principles. God’s purpose for humanity brings glory to Himself, but we are a part of the story from the beginning. He creates us in His image. He invites us into a relationship. He provides us with law so that we know how to interact. He judges evil. And then, finally, He comes to humanity and offers His life that we may live with Him forever. This is the true story of humanity. And this story brings hope, and fulfillment.
I’m David Rives, truly, the heavens declare the glory of God.