The idea that critical questioning and independence were the keys to moral progress gained traction over time, leading to a gradual erosion of the authority of the strong gods that had once commanded reverence and loyalty. As Reno puts it, “The postwar consensus banished the strong gods in order to create a society open to criticism and change. But open to what?”
What emerged in the wake of the banishment of the strong gods was a society that increasingly valued individual autonomy and freedom of thought over traditional authority and reverence for the past. The goal was to create a society that was open to new ideas and perspectives, but in the process, something important was lost.
Reno argues that the banishment of the strong gods ultimately led to a weakening of the moral foundations of society. Without a shared set of values and beliefs to guide them, individuals were left adrift in a sea of relativism and subjectivity. As Reno writes, “By banishing the strong gods, we have unwittingly weakened the moral and cultural foundations of our society.”
The consequences of this weakening are evident in the current state of our society. Social cohesion has eroded, political polarization has increased, and trust in institutions has declined. Without a shared sense of purpose and direction, individuals are left to fend for themselves in a world that seems increasingly chaotic and uncertain.
But Reno is not without hope. He believes that it is still possible to rediscover and reinvigorate the strong gods that once held society together. By engaging in a process of moral and cultural renewal, we can rebuild the moral foundations of our society and create a shared sense of purpose and direction once again.
In conclusion, the banishment of the strong gods was a well-intentioned but ultimately misguided endeavor. While the goal was to create a more open and critical society, the unintended consequences have been far-reaching. It is now up to us to recognize the importance of moral and cultural foundations and work towards rebuilding them for the betterment of society as a whole. The trajectory of development has always been moving towards greater openness, the dismantling of old authorities, and a sense of disenchantment. This shift, while disruptive, can be seen as a natural progression rather than a complete rebellion against the past. The revolutionary spirit of the 1960s was not a sudden break from the 1950s but rather a continuation of the ongoing process of challenging established norms.
This trend towards openness and deconsolidation has resulted in the weakening of traditional sources of authority and the emergence of new, more flexible forms of governance. As John Maynard Keynes famously observed, the world is increasingly shaped by the ideas of economists and political philosophers, whether right or wrong. This consensus among elites and intellectuals has gradually permeated society as a whole, leading to significant changes in how we perceive and interact with the world around us.
The banishing of the “strong gods” – the traditional, absolute sources of authority – has given rise to the “weak gods” of modern society. This transition has not occurred overnight, but rather as a gradual process that continues to evolve over time. As society moves away from rigid structures and towards more fluid forms of governance, the implications of this shift are profound and far-reaching.
Reno delves into the social and political consequences of this transition, highlighting the impact it has had on various aspects of our lives. In the upcoming post, we will explore these consequences in more detail, examining how the banishing of the strong gods has shaped our society and influenced our collective consciousness.
As we navigate this changing landscape, it is important to reflect on the implications of these shifts and consider how we can adapt to this new reality. By embracing openness, questioning old authorities, and challenging established norms, we can continue to evolve and grow as a society. The path towards greater disenchantment may be unsettling at times, but it also offers opportunities for growth, innovation, and progress.
