Although zeitgeist is a German word, it is widely used among English speaking people. It simply means the spirit of the age or the spirit of the time.

Hiding in plain sight in this word is something most people who use the word, miss. That is the word spirit. Or rather the literal meaning of the word spirit. Most modern people have begun to view the word spirit as mood, trend or a general sense of the way things are. This misses the point. 

Zeitgeist Symptoms

These only point to the symptoms that can be observed by physical eyes. I wonder how many have considered that there is an actual spirit or spirits behind these trends and moods that sweep the masses—strangely, all at the same time.

An example of this, is the recent popularity of homosexuality. It rushed in in a short period of time, crushing traditional views and marginalizing those who wouldn’t bend to the sudden change of public opinion. 

Feminism is another one that started less recently, but has gained tremendous power in the last couple of decades. If you dare speak out against it in most public places, you are ridiculed, belittled and castigated. 

Literal Spirits

These are each examples of a zeitgeist. And there are literal spirits surrounding these movements that are the cause of the wrath directed against people who oppose them. The next question becomes, are these spirits from God or another source? Using the radical examples I have, it’s not hard to conclude that they’re not from God. 

A zeitgeist might take a less obvious and even a less harmful form. Most fashion could probably fit in this category. But the biggest issues at hand are the ones that directly shape social values.    Music and entertainment in general would fit in the latter category. These are drivers of other bigger issues that mold peoples’ values. 

So far I’ve made some personal observations, but what does the Bible say? 

This Present Darkness

Ephesians 6:12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. –ESV

This clearly outlines that anytime we are in a conflict, it is not the people or the movement that is our primary enemy. Our primary enemies are the spirits behind the people and movements. I’d like to take specific notice of the phrase, “cosmic powers over this present darkness”. That indicates there is a cosmic power driving the present darkness, or the darkness that is ruling at any given time. Or in our terms we might call it a zeitgeist. 

God Doesn’t Change

In 1 Corinthians 2:1-7 Paul references a wisdom of this age as opposed to the wisdom of God. Take also into account that Hebrews 8:13 tells us that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Malachi 3:6 says something very similar. Consider, too, the ways God is referred to throughout the Bible. He is called a Rock, a Fortress, a Stronghold, a Strong Tower and Faithful among many similar descriptive references. 

His Kingdom is not shaken. He is not a man that He should change His mind. The times we happen to be in do not change who He is and what His values are. Different expressions of His character are on display in different seasons as described in Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, but as a whole, His character never changes. He is the great I AM. 

Final Thoughts

I think it’s safe to say He is not the one behind the ever-changing moods and perspectives of the masses. We should not bend to every new wind of doctrine, and we should be wary of movements that crop up suddenly out of nowhere. 

So, having briefly explored the concept of a zeitgeist, I conclude that we are left with two choices: we can confuse and exhaust ourselves chasing an ever-changing zeitgeist or we can pursue the Spirit of God, Whose ways and character never change. As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.