Our Civilisational Moment: Rediscovering the Roots of West
The West, having lost touch with its foundational inspirations, must now decide its path forward. Guinness contends that a return to the core values of human dignity, truth, conscience, and freedom can reignite the fading brilliance of Western civilisation.
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In the words of author and social critic Os Guinness, we find ourselves at a critical juncture in history—a “civilisational moment.” It is a pivotal turning point that will shape the future of the Western world. In this article, we will explore Os Guinness’s thought-provoking perspective on the crisis facing the West, the factors contributing to it, and the potential paths forward.
The Lost Inspiration:
Every great civilisation in history has been driven by a dynamism and a source of inspiration that propelled it to greatness. However, as Os Guinness observes, there often comes a time when a civilisation loses touch with what made it exceptional. The Western world, with its rich history of ideas, art, and culture, is no exception.
In the glorious past, the Parthenon in Athens and the Colosseum in Rome stood as symbols of Western civilization’s greatness. These achievements were rooted in shared values, beliefs, and a sense of purpose. But over time, the West has found itself adrift, disconnected from the sources of inspiration that once propelled it to greatness.
The Three Broad Options:
When a civilisation reaches this critical juncture, there are typically three broad options: renewal, replacement, or decline. The choice made at this juncture will shape the future of that civilisation.
1. Renewal of Inspiration:
The first option involves a deliberate effort to rediscover and rekindle the sources of inspiration that once defined the civilisation. Os Guinness argues that the West can renew its belief in human dignity, truth, conscience, and freedom—values that have been integral to its history.
2. Replacement of Inspiration:
Another approach is to seek new sources of inspiration and purpose. The Enlightenment secularism and reason that emerged as a response to religious dominance have, for some, fallen short. However, searching for alternative philosophies and ideologies could offer a new direction.
3. Decline:
The third and most concerning option is the path of decline. If the West fails to renew its inspiration or find a suitable replacement, it risks a continued erosion of its core values and identity, leading to a decline in its influence and vitality.
The Current Challenge:
At this pivotal moment, the West faces a profound challenge. It has, to a significant extent, rejected the faith stories and ideological foundations that once provided the dynamism and inspiration for its growth.
Attempts to replace these foundations with Enlightenment secularism and reason have proven insufficient. Additionally, there is an ongoing discourse of critical theorists who question and deconstruct the very institutions that bind Western society together.
Os Guinness’s assertion that we are at a “civilisational moment” resonates with the profound changes and challenges facing the Western world today. However, it’s important to remember that moments of crisis also present opportunities for transformation & growth.
The West has a rich history of adaptability and resilience, and it can, once again, find its way back to confidence in its identity and renew its belief in human dignity, truth, conscience, and freedom.
In the face of this civilisational moment, it is a call to action for individuals and societies in the West to reflect on their values, history, and aspirations. It is an invitation to turn the page to a better story, one that rekindles the spirit of a dynamic and inspired civilisation that has shaped the course of history for centuries.
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