The Radical Reawakening of Enlightenment: A Stand Against Postmodernism

In the digital age, as we navigate a sea of information, it's crucial to equip ourselves with guiding principles. Yet, we find ourselves at a crossroads where emotion has come to supersede reason. It's an age dominated by postmodernist perspectives, which, while raising valid concerns about power narratives, often veer into the rejection of universal truths, objective realities, and logic. While Unitarian communities globally have been a beacon of progressiveness, even we find ourselves grappling with these waves of postmodernism.

The title of 'radical' proudly donned by Unitarian websites in the UK is a calling not just for radical inclusivity but also for radical rationality. It's high time we re-embrace the Enlightenment values which are rooted in reason, individualism, and skepticism of authority.

Emotion vs. Reason

There's an inherent power in emotion. It has the capacity to connect, drive, and inspire. However, when emotion becomes the primary tool for decision-making, especially in matters of governance and policy, it blindsides reason. As experienced at the General Assembly, emotive language can be manipulatively used to sway opinions and decisions. The analogy of emotion as the "barbarous animal" that drives reason away is poignant. Emotion unchecked and unbalanced by reason can lead to decisions that are neither fair nor just.

 

The Dangers of Rejecting Universal Truths

Postmodernism’s critique of universal truths isn't entirely without merit, especially when considering the colonialist narratives of the past. However, completely dismissing the existence of universal truths is a slippery slope. Rejecting objective realities, especially in the realms of science and logic, creates a fragmented society where every individual's subjective truth holds equal weight, making constructive dialogues nearly impossible.

 

Enlightenment Values: A Time-Tested Beacon

The Enlightenment era was pivotal, propelling society forward by championing reason, empirical evidence, and individual rights. As Unitarians, our principles align deeply with these values. The inherent worth and dignity of every individual, the quest for justice, and the acceptance of one another hinge on reason, evidence-based thinking, and individualism.

 

The True Meaning of Radical

Being 'radical' isn't merely about challenging societal norms or being contrarian. It's about having the courage to uphold reason in the face of overwhelming emotion. It's about seeking the truth, even when it's inconvenient. For Unitarians, being radical should mean being a vanguard for Enlightenment values, ensuring they're not lost in the fervor of postmodernist thought.

The Radical Reawakening of Enlightenment isn't just a battle cry against postmodernism. It's a call to action for Unitarians and, indeed, society at large to revisit and re-embrace the values that have long served as the bedrock of progress. Emotion and reason must coexist, with neither overshadowing the other. Only then can we truly lay claim to the title of 'radical' and forge a path that honours both the heart and the mind.