A map through the modern intellectual maze

Qizhou Cui

February 10, 2025 6 Reactions

The book begins by outlining the Christian worldview, emphasizing its contribution to human dignity and social cohesion. It clearly explains several of its key tenets, such as the belief in a transcendent God who imbues human existence with meaning, the relational nature of humanity rooted in love and self-giving, and the ultimate goal of eternal union with God.

Expressive individualism, on the other hand, is rooted in personal autonomy, self-expression, and moral relativism. Each of us has the right to define our own concept of existence, meaning, and truth—a stance memorably articulated by US Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy in Planned Parenthood v. Casey.

While expressive individualism promises freedom and fulfillment, it undermines the shared moral framework necessary for community and social cohesion. Its emphasis on subjective self-definition often conflicts with its own goals of equality and inclusion, as the absence of objective moral standards makes it difficult to resolve ethical disputes or to protect the vulnerable. This eventually erodes the social and spiritual dimensions of human life, leaving us disconnected and our communities fragmented.

In Chapter 4, Schratz discusses natural law theory.  He appeals to a reasoned understanding of human nature, arguing that our deepest inclinations toward truth, goodness, and love are not arbitrary but rooted in a divinely ordained order. Contra expressive individualism, natural law acknowledges that human nature and its ultimate purpose are not self-determined but given; it grounds moral principles in the reality of what it means to be human. Accordingly, the natural law provides a stable framework for discerning right from wrong, guiding individuals in virtue, strengthening communities, and building societies that promote the common good.

One valuable feature of Paradise Cancelled is its careful mapping of how expressive individualism gradually replaced Christianity as the dominant worldview. This process began with William of Ockham's nominalism in the 14th century, which undermined traditional Christian anthropology. Descartes, Rousseau, Martin Luther, and Nietzsche continued the work of demolition. This brief history illuminates contemporary debates about gender, sexuality, and human nature.

Paradise Cancelled concludes with a Swiss Army knife for survival in a culture dominated by expressive individualism: intellectual formation, moral integrity, and community engagement. Schratz is firm but never bitter, clear but never harsh; he combines unwavering commitment to truth with kindness and love for those who disagree.

Paradise Cancelled is essential reading. While written from an explicitly Christian perspective, its careful reasoning and extensive documentation make it valuable even for non-religious readers who care about preserving authentic human rights and freedom

In an era when many conservative critiques of contemporary culture descend into either apocalyptic despair or incendiary denunciation, Schratz offers a clear diagnosis and a hope-filled prescription for renewal. He reminds us that the Christian vision of human dignity has survived and transformed cultures before, and it can do so again.  

Is ”expressive individualism” a good handle for the modern vibe?  

Qizhou Cui is a doctoral candidate in Philosophy at the University of St Thomas in Houston, Texas.

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