The Bad Part of Modernity: Values and Culture
Last time, I discussed the good parts of modernity. This time I want to briefly spell out the bad parts: (many, but not all aspects of) modern values and culture. I have no intent to write a screed against society or to rant about things that have been discussed at length. I only want to lay out a basic schematic I can use to constructively build an approach to Modern Orthodoxy.
The bad values of Western society are not really that modern. They have existed in many nations throughout the ages. They include but are not limited to the valuing as an end-in-themselves of pleasure, fame, money, and power. These bad values are directly related to the erosion of many of the moral values society used to have.
Social values don’t exist in a vacuum but are supported by an underlying culture that promotes and maintains its values. The secular culture that supports these values is well known. As illustrative examples of what I mean: Washington culture is designed around political power, Wall Street culture idealizes endless pursuit of riches, and Hollywood culture glorifies pleasure and fame.
Any meaningful ideal of Modern Orthodoxy must find a way to interact with modern society without appropriating these negative aspects of modern culture and the detrimental values inherent in its structure.