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Existentialism: The Current Moral Order, Part 1

Are you anxious about the world in which you live? You are not alone. It seems to be all the rage these days. The media bombards us with negative ideas like global warming, melting glaciers, terrorism and global conflicts. They tell us that these things are happening for the first time in our history … that we are the reason for them. Some defy logic while others defy science and yet all are to be accepted without question. Whether they are right or wrong, is for another time, but the facts are that there is little positive in our news these days and even less in our world, at least according to those who are supposed to know these things. Why?

This begins a series of post that will attempt to make sense of the world in which we live because it is a different world than the one in which I was raised as a child. It seems to me that the change that has taken place over the last ten years is radically different than other cultural change over a similar time frame. I, and I am sure all of you, just don’t know who to believe these days. Who do we trust? The media … the government … medicine … science … the church … all have given us reasons to doubt them, but is it the institutions themselves or is it something else? I think it is something else. I think something has changed in who we are and in the world in which we live.

My theory begins with our current state, which is this, we live in a world currently dominated by existentialism, which has replaced Christian morality as the foundation for all thought and feeling. It is a stark contrast to the Christian morality or the Christian faith of the past, but in a sense, it is also similar in that it is every bit faith itself in that it is most difficult to explain in tangible terms. In this series, I will try to explain it in ways that we all have experienced to come to a better understanding.

Most existentialists believe it (existentialism) cannot be explained; it can only be lived. As far as philosophies go, it is one that bases conduct on a belief that must be chosen as an act of faith, due to the belief that no objective moral order exists, independently of or external to human beings. There is no school of thought, no statement of belief nor is there a set of core values to follow. We, human beings, are morality. Our souls, feelings and ideas are to serve us as our own morality. Everyone must live in a way that affirms their beliefs in an authentic way that is rooted in who they are as their own human being. Authenticity is the objective, but it is different for each person. It is a bit like throwing mud at the wall if you will. What sticks today may not stick tomorrow or even be there and every wall is different.

Existentialism is obsessed with individuality and how we choose to live as individuals. It seeks to reinforce our individuality, which seems positive, but in that individuality, we give up commonality and true community. If you are wondering what’s missing … wonder no more, it is community. It is missing in government, medicine, science, academia … and the list goes on and on. Republicans cannot mix with Democrats or risk losing the next election. Liberals cannot mix with conservatives; Christians cannot mix with atheists … the divide is wide and there are seemingly no planks to bridge the gap. Existentialism has come along and pronounced the gaps as good and given everyone their own island.

There are many issues but the larger more egregious one, for me, is the thought existentialism produces. It is not higher categorical thought, nor does it have anything to do with dialectic thought, for which so many philosophers advocate or at least used to advocate. Existentialism just wants you to exist in the moment; it believes it is the moment that is the best means of living authentically. To live in the moment is to live for yourself, your choices and your desires. Thinking of others is not condemned but it is not advocated either. If it is authentic for you, great, but if it is not authentic for you, then that too is fine. There is no shame or guilt in this world. There is no personal responsibility nor is there fault. This is the world in which we live and it affects all of us.

In a very non-existential way, I would love to hear all of your thoughts, especially those that are different. I still believe in a dialectic way of thinking which is why I am putting my thesis out there for all to see. The only way to confirm it as valid is to measure it against an antithesis or two, which are comments and ideas that are different. This is higher categorical thought and why it matters!

As the sun sits in a cloudless sky today, it bares no resemblance to the sky of last week. Last week many of us experienced rain and wind like we have never seen. We became isolated from our world as many of us struggled to find the normal that was just beyond our grasp. And, yet, today, things are slowly returning to normal, for some of us, which prompts me to present a few thoughts.

In the midst of our recovery, the world went on, which prompts a question: what did we see and what did we learn? Well, here are a few lessons I learned. The government is not God and cannot be seen as supernal, especially when it comes to natural disasters. As much as things change, they do stay the same. If you think you have it bad all you need to do is look over at your neighbor. At the end of the day, we all have too much stuff! And, finally, if you need help and ask for it, someone will reach out and give you a hand.

I am very thankful to live where I live. I have a great church, great neighbors and a great school. Yes, the government is made of people just like me, but they have risen to the challenge and I am thankful for them. I am not concerned about their party or ideology; I am only concerned about their concern for the citizens who elected them, and at the end of the day, all I can ask them to do is their best.

Government is made of people, and whether you are red or blue … I hope you will agree that when it comes to people, despite our wishes, people are pretty much the same. So, what have I noticed about government lately. Well, the more things change the more they stay the same. The idea of government solving all of your problems is probably not a good thought and an even worse plan for the future. You see the government is not a for-profit entity. It makes no product and therefore makes no money. All it does is spend your money.

The problem I have seen in goverment in the last 5-7 years is a growing incompetency. Before you get upset, this growing incompetency is not confined to red or blue; it is purple and applies to both sides of the aisle. Let stop before going too far and ask this question: what produces excellence? I mean if you had to guarantee excellence how would you do it? I know what my answer is, but what is yours? Think about it for a minute, and if your answer is government then point me to excellence produced by government. I am not sure you can, but it’s not their fault. It’s our fault.

What produces excellence? Where do you find it? Here is a hint: Find an example of excellence, any example and go backwards until you determine what produces it. My next post will give you my answer, but I would love to get your answers! Leave them in the comments!

So, what truths have I learned in the midst of tragedy. Well, here are a few!

Science is no more the answer than it was 50 years ago.
Meteorologists are never wrong(What’s the difference between partly cloudy and partly sunny?).
There is always hope!
During times of tragedy, we learn quickly who people are.
Blaming this storm on global warming is lazy science. It is impossible to determine the cause of anything in the midst of tragedy.
There is something to be said of a good neighbor!
Churches are always there filling the gap in times of tragedy.

What have you learned? I would love to hear your thoughts! I believe we learn from each other. The path to right thinking is full and occupied! Let’s learn and think together. Until next time …