19. Moving Towards The Modern Moral Order
Contemplating Culture: A Missionary Walk Through A Secular AgeShow Notes
A jam-packed episode this week exploring the shift in moral order.
We take a look at the shift away from three levels of pre-modern morality:
Form- the notion that there is a pre-existing ideal self for us to pursue
Function- all people are part of the higher hierarchy, and find identity through the function they play in the wider sphere of society
Goal- people work together towards the higher goals of society
This shift is enabled by:
individualism
the buffered self
the secular public sphere
With the shift away from the pre modern moral order, a society of mutual benefit emerges, characterised by:
A society of individuals, society not pre-existing the individual but established for their sake
Life (security) and the means to life (prosperity) shift from aiding the higher goals, to the end goal
Freedom becomes essential, and so expressions of society must be expressly consented to by the individual (e.g. the rise of democracy)
Hierarchical order must be rejected
In our discussion we look at some of the implications of the society of mutual benefit, including:
moral confusion
isolation and the search for belonging and purpose
complications in interpersonal relationships
Reflection:
Where does the mentality of the society of mutual benefit impact my relationships, and how can I move towards transcending this mindset in favour of love?
References:
Pages of A Secular Age, Charles Taylor: (164-171) Website: https://sites.google.com/view/contemplatingculture
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