What is Enlightenment?

The term “enlightenment” is a multifaceted one. In a broad sense, it embodies the spirit of questioning established norms and valuing individual freedom. It represents a shift from blind acceptance to critical scrutiny. Yet, in a historical context, the term denotes a specific era – the 18th century in Europe. This was a time of profound intellectual and cultural growth when science became the yardstick for public conduct and problem-solving, and intellectuals, as D’Alembert suggests, tried to shape public taste and philosophy.

The Enlightenment, spanning the 17th and 18th centuries, was a revolution in thought that reshaped various facets of society – from religion to politics, culture to economics. Thinkers of this era elevated human reason above tradition, valuing individualism over communal beliefs. Modern interpretations sometimes depict this period as a wholly secular uprising against religion. Icons of this epoch, like Voltaire, Hume, and Hobbes, sought to challenge religious dogmas and reduce its overarching influence on public life. As a result, religion’s significance dwindled, its teachings relegated to personal spaces, and the idea of God perceived as an obstruction to progress. Modernity, with its emphasis on science and mechanics, seemed incompatible with traditional religious tenets. This sentiment is palpable even in contemporary America, where despite a more active religious participation, religion often finds itself viewed as outdated by educated elites. Michael Gillespie encapsulates this by suggesting that modernity is about man replacing God and championing values like individualism, freedom, and equality.

However, such a view may be myopic, focusing merely on socio-economic and political shifts, sidelining the religious backdrop of the Enlightenment. This interpretation is amiss given that Christian beliefs were deeply entrenched in European societies during the Medieval and early modern eras. The theological discourse was at the heart of both the early and middle Enlightenment periods. It’s essential to understand that the impulse for change, or what we know as the Enlightenment, had its roots in religious reforms. A. Ross contends that without religion, societies would be flimsy, emphasizing its foundational role.

Justin Champion’s work sheds light on the profundity of faith and church in pre-modern European, especially English, life. From birth to death, religious practices and teachings played a pivotal role. Life, be it in bustling towns or idyllic countryside, was synchronized to religious events. Churches were the epicenters of these societies, with religious leaders holding significant influence.

In essence, the Enlightenment, while perceived as a secular revolution, had deep-seated connections with the religious sentiments of the time. While it certainly challenged established religious norms, it was also influenced by the very religious fabric it sought to reform. Thus, understanding the Enlightenment necessitates a holistic view, recognizing its intertwined relationship with religion, rather than viewing it as a mere secular revolt against the divine.