An Anxious Age by Joseph Bottum

The Post-Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of America

In this insightful exploration of contemporary American society, the author delves into the cultural and spiritual shifts that have shaped the modern landscape. The narrative examines how the decline of traditional religious institutions has given rise to a new form of secular moralism, which manifests in the fervent pursuit of social justice and personal authenticity. By tracing the historical roots and philosophical underpinnings of this transformation, the book offers a compelling analysis of the anxieties and aspirations that define the current age, ultimately questioning the sustainability of these emerging values in the absence of a shared moral framework.