Why Rousseau Was Wrong Christianity And The Secular Soul
Book Description
In a world increasingly fractured by individualism and social discord, Frances Ward presents a thoughtful examination of how modern society lost its way and offers a path toward genuine community healing. Drawing connections between Britain's triumphant Olympic moment and the underlying tensions that persist beneath the surface, Ward challenges readers to reconsider the foundations of contemporary citizenship.
Ward traces our current struggles with belonging and trust back to Enlightenment philosophy, particularly questioning the legacy of thinkers like Rousseau who shaped secular humanist ideals. She argues that excessive individualism has weakened the social fabric, leaving people isolated despite technological connectivity. Rather than accepting this as inevitable, Ward proposes that Christianity offers essential wisdom for rebuilding authentic community bonds.
Through engaging analysis that weaves together contemporary literature and the beloved character Isabel Dalhousie from Alexander McCall Smith's novels, Ward explores how spiritual principles can address modern social challenges. She examines how the Church historically fostered values that transcend mere self-interest: cultivating shared identity over isolated individualism, pursuing meaningful ends rather than utilitarian calculations, and developing character through virtue rather than superficial identity markers.
This accessible exploration invites readers to consider how ancient wisdom might guide twenty-first century society toward greater cohesion, trust, and genuine human flourishing. Ward's vision offers hope for those seeking deeper community connections in an increasingly fragmented world.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~7 hours)
📄 Length: 249 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Christianity and other religions
- ✓ Explore Social conditions
- ✓ Explore Relations
- ✓ Explore Christianity
- ✓ Explore Church of england, history
- ✓ Explore Islam
- ✓ Explore Secular humanism
- ✓ Explore Religion and sociology
