The Kingdom of Man: Genesis and Failure of the Modern Project (Catholic Ideas for a Secular World)

The author brings together various religions to do an ensemble for understanding the divine image of man. I think this is one of his best books but I haven’t read all of them

“In this work Brague discusses the full meaning and internal logic of this distinctive understanding of the human, which he calls “exclusive humanism.” According to Brague, the drama has played itself out to a point where one can see its necessary consequences. He does not mince words: among them is “the self-destruction of man,” the unwillingness to continue the human adventure and the inability to give reasons to do so.’’No reasons able to defend human adventure. Right.“The contemporary European scene is exhibit A. In a little work he calls a “satellite” to this one, The Legitimacy of the Human, he provides “greater developments” of the argument, but even here the testimony of decidedly modern thinkers who are mute (and worse) before the existential questions—Is it good for human beings to exist? Is it legitimate? Should the human adventure continue, now that everything is subject to human choice?—powerfully supports the chilling conclusion.’’These are the basic questions. The answers drive modern thought.Why?“Quite what humanity is when divorced from teleological nature and a providentially ordered creation is a great question, one that Brague addresses head on. (Hint: humanity itself becomes “a project” and a “self-creation,” with the consequences alluded to above.)’’No outside authority, wisdom, or understanding. If I don’t know it, it doesn’t exist.For example . . .“The mad ideas of Russian Soviet thinkers concerning human perfectability and mastery are but some of the many highlights—or revealing low-lights—of the subsequent investigation.’’What other result?“As Pierre Manent has reminded us, the modern project essentially involved the theory and construction of the modern state, as well as its concomitant political form, the nation.’’So true.What solution?“Heidegger also famously declared that “only a god can save us.” Here, too, Brague does him one better. He reminds Heidegger, and his fellow Europeans, that they already knew a God who saved them. Perhaps it is time to (re)turn and listen to what he has to say. If they do, when they do, Brague says they will find a surprisingly contemporary message: It is good that you exist! Please continue! As for your fears concerning me, despite what many say, I am not your Master, but your Father and your Friend.’’What is so hard to use what brought us here?PART 1 PREPARATION1 The Best of the Living Things2 Domination 3 Three Incomplete Prefigurations 4 Metaphorical Dominations5 The New Lord of Creation6 Attempts and TemptationsPART 2 DEPLOYMENT7 The Formation of the Modern Project8 The Beginnings of the Realization 9 The Master Is There10 Moral Dominion11 The Duty to Reign12 The Iron Rod13 The New Meaning of Humanism14 The Sole LordPART 3 FAILURE15 Kingdom or Wasteland?16 Man, Humiliated17 The Subjugated Subject18 Man Remade19 Man Surpassed and . . . Replaced20 Checkmate?21 Lights OutKey idea . . .“The modern project appears as an emancipation vis-à-vis everything that presents itself above man, as his inaccessible origin: a creator and/or legislator god, or a nature whose active character renders it divine. It reverses the taking into account by anthropology of the theological context. Instead of the claim that it is man who ought to receive his norm from an external authority, it is he who determines what can claim authority over him. The relationship between man and the divine takes on the form of “it’s either him or me.” Humanism must then tend to become an atheism.’’Well . . . that’s what we now experience.And connecting science to religion . . .“Thus, Bacon cites an obscure passage from the book of Daniel about the end of times: “Many will rush to and fro and science will increase” (12:4).The modern technology that Bacon desired has messianic traits.’’This work from 2015 makes many interesting observations. Some are clear, some aren’t. I agree with others, some I don’t.Nevertheless, this work faces questions that others turn away from. To their detriment.Not for beginners. A little convoluted, a little academic, a little overblown. More concerned with sounding intellectual than being intelligent.Or, I’m just not used to the way French philosophers write.I learned some. Had to really fight the writing.Hundreds of notes (linked)Hundreds of references in bibliography (not linked)Tremendous scholarship!Detailed index (not linked)No photographs

This is a wordy and dense book. Over one third of the entire text is footnotes. Having said this, it is also a brilliant analysis of the modern project, and its failure to live up to its hope and promise. Definitely good scholarship, but few will read it all the way through.