How, as Christians, ought we to view and react to the nostalgia in ourselves and others? Nostalgia can be a powerful force, both individually and collectively, and so it matters how we look at it and what we do with it. As Christians, this means we must allow our feelings of nostalgia to be shaped and directed by the gospel. Like other emotions, nostalgia may be morally neutral in itself. But just as with anger, sadness, or happiness, how we respond is a matter of moral decision-making and will either lead us to grow closer to Christ or further away. Like other emotions, unchecked nostalgia can cloud our view of reality. While it is sometimes true that our lives or societies were better (at least in certain ways) in previous years, memories conjured up by nostalgia tend to be rose-colored at best and actively distorted at worst. Often, our reminiscences end up in longing for the return of an imaginary idyllic past.

Nostalgia is easily conjured – and easily exploited. Can it ever be good?