Is our modern secular morality actually built on religious foundations?
In short: We often view secularism as the death of religion, but what if it is actually its evolution? Historian Alec Ryrie suggests that our modern ethical impulses—like challenging authority and seeking deep truths—are not the opposite of faith, but are deeply rooted in religious traditions.
In his lecture at Gresham College, historian Alec Ryrie explores the complex lineage of modern secularism, tracing its origins back to the Renaissance. Rather than seeing religion as a fading force that has simply collapsed intellectually, Ryrie proposes a more nuanced view: religious impulses have transformed into a profoundly secular ethic. This includes the drive to defy unwelcome moral authority, the relentless quest for deeper truths, and the tendency to judge established churches by their own internal standards.
This evolution is particularly evident in how Western societies have defined themselves over the last eighty years. For much of the post-war era, Western public ethics were anchored by a shared aversion to the horrors of the Nazi regime. This consensus was built on common fears—such as anti-Semitism and racist fascism—rather than shared loves or positive ideals. Ryrie argues that while this anti-Nazi moral consensus has served as a vital guardrail, it is currently fraying.
As the old taboos that once kept such barbarism at bay begin to lose their grip, Ryrie suggests we are transitioning from an era of moral certitude into a more volatile period. He posits that to survive this historic shift, we must move beyond a morality defined solely by what we fear. Instead, he advocates for a new moral vision that rests on a much richer, more robust story than the mere rejection of Hitler's legacy.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Jesus, Hitler and The Abolition of God - Alec Ryrie
- Also: The Age of Hitler and How We Will Survive It, Ryrie
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/ideas-jesus-hitler-and-the-abolition-of-god-alec-ryrie.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in Ethics · More in Ideas & Philosophy · Latest · A–Z · All topics
