The Idol of Our Age

How the Religion of Humanity Subverts Christianity

Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, Christianity, Church, Church & State, Philosophy, Political, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science
Cover of the book The Idol of Our Age by Daniel J. Mahoney, Encounter Books
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Daniel J. Mahoney ISBN: 9781641770170
Publisher: Encounter Books Publication: December 4, 2018
Imprint: Encounter Books Language: English
Author: Daniel J. Mahoney
ISBN: 9781641770170
Publisher: Encounter Books
Publication: December 4, 2018
Imprint: Encounter Books
Language: English

This book is a learned essay at the intersection of politics, philosophy, and religion. It is first and foremost a diagnosis and critique of the secular religion of our time, humanitarianism, or the “religion of humanity.” It argues that the humanitarian impulse to regard modern man as the measure of all things has begun to corrupt Christianity itself, reducing it to an inordinate concern for “social justice,” radical political change, and an increasingly fanatical egalitarianism. Christianity thus loses its transcendental reference points at the same time that it undermines balanced political judgment. Humanitarians, secular or religious, confuse peace with pacifism, equitable social arrangements with socialism, and moral judgment with utopianism and sentimentality.

With a foreword by the distinguished political philosopher Pierre Manent, Mahoney’s book follows Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI in affirming that Christianity is in no way reducible to a “humanitarian moral message.” In a pungent if respectful analysis, it demonstrates that Pope Francis has increasingly confused the Gospel with left-wing humanitarianism and egalitarianism that owes little to classical or Christian wisdom. It takes its bearings from a series of thinkers (Orestes Brownson, Aurel Kolnai, Vladimir Soloviev, and Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn) who have been instructive critics of the “religion of humanity.” These thinkers were men of peace who rejected ideological pacifism and never confused Christianity with unthinking sentimentality. The book ends by affirming the power of reason, informed by revealed faith, to provide a humanizing alternative to utopian illusions and nihilistic despair.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

This book is a learned essay at the intersection of politics, philosophy, and religion. It is first and foremost a diagnosis and critique of the secular religion of our time, humanitarianism, or the “religion of humanity.” It argues that the humanitarian impulse to regard modern man as the measure of all things has begun to corrupt Christianity itself, reducing it to an inordinate concern for “social justice,” radical political change, and an increasingly fanatical egalitarianism. Christianity thus loses its transcendental reference points at the same time that it undermines balanced political judgment. Humanitarians, secular or religious, confuse peace with pacifism, equitable social arrangements with socialism, and moral judgment with utopianism and sentimentality.

With a foreword by the distinguished political philosopher Pierre Manent, Mahoney’s book follows Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI in affirming that Christianity is in no way reducible to a “humanitarian moral message.” In a pungent if respectful analysis, it demonstrates that Pope Francis has increasingly confused the Gospel with left-wing humanitarianism and egalitarianism that owes little to classical or Christian wisdom. It takes its bearings from a series of thinkers (Orestes Brownson, Aurel Kolnai, Vladimir Soloviev, and Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn) who have been instructive critics of the “religion of humanity.” These thinkers were men of peace who rejected ideological pacifism and never confused Christianity with unthinking sentimentality. The book ends by affirming the power of reason, informed by revealed faith, to provide a humanizing alternative to utopian illusions and nihilistic despair.

More books from Encounter Books

Cover of the book Why Place Matters by Daniel J. Mahoney
Cover of the book The Grand Jihad by Daniel J. Mahoney
Cover of the book Who's Counting? by Daniel J. Mahoney
Cover of the book Progressive Racism by Daniel J. Mahoney
Cover of the book This Time We Win by Daniel J. Mahoney
Cover of the book Art from the Swamp by Daniel J. Mahoney
Cover of the book America 3.0 by Daniel J. Mahoney
Cover of the book Empire of Lies by Daniel J. Mahoney
Cover of the book Invisible Wealth by Daniel J. Mahoney
Cover of the book Why the West is Best by Daniel J. Mahoney
Cover of the book How Obama is Transforming America's Military from Superpower to Paper Tiger by Daniel J. Mahoney
Cover of the book Against the Obamanet by Daniel J. Mahoney
Cover of the book Social Justice Isn't What You Think It Is by Daniel J. Mahoney
Cover of the book The Once and Future King by Daniel J. Mahoney
Cover of the book Liberty's Nemesis by Daniel J. Mahoney
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy