Nihilism: The Root of the Revolution of the Modern Age by Father Seraphim Rose (Eugene Rose)

Introduction

• What is the main idea of this book? 

The book argues that nihilism, the belief that there is no absolute truth, is the root of the modern age’s revolution. The author, Eugene Rose (later Fr. Seraphim), planned to explore this idea in a larger work, “The Kingdom of Man and the Kingdom of God.”

The book traces the stages of nihilistic thought:

• Liberalism: Represents passive nihilism, characterized by indifference to absolute truth and a focus on this world.
• Realism: Represents an active form of nihilism that denies higher truths and promotes materialism, often in the name of science.
• Vitalism: Rejects truth as a criterion for action and substitutes subjective experiences, such as “life,” “vitality,” and “awareness.”
• Nihilism of Destruction: Represents pure nihilism, characterized by a rage against creation and civilization, seeking to reduce everything to nothingness.

The book further posits that:

• Nihilism is fueled by a form of rebellion against God and His authority.
• This rebellion leads to a “worship of nothingness,” leaving people in a state of emptiness and fear.
• This leads to a desire for a “new earth” and a “new man,” free from God‘s influence.
• The book views this as a demonic movement that aims to establish a “new age” of “Anarchy” ruled by “Supermen.”
• The author suggests that this “new age” is not a positive development, but rather the culmination of nihilism, leading to the reign of Antichrist.

Ultimately, the book argues that:

• The only true hope lies in Christ and His Kingdom, contrasting the fruits of the Spirit with the destructive consequences of nihilism.
• It contends that even the suffering of Hell is a testament to God‘s love and man’s inherent dignity in contrast to the nothingness nihilism offers.

The book’s editor, Monk Damascene Christensen, believes that Rose‘s work is even more relevant now, three decades after it was written, as nihilistic and anti-Christian forces gain influence in society.

• What is nihilism, and how does it manifest in modern society?

Nihilism is the belief that there is no Absolute Truth, meaning that all truth is relative. The most extreme form of this is the idea that “there is no truth; that there is no absolute state of affairs – no ‘thing-in-itself.” This philosophy is at the root of the revolution of the modern age. Nihilism is the basic philosophy of the 20th century and has become so widespread and pervasive that there is no longer any “front” on which it can be fought.

Here is how nihilism manifests in modern society:

• Liberalism: Liberalism is a passive form of nihilism that serves as the breeding ground for more advanced stages of nihilism. Liberals generally believe in “science” as absolute and exclusive truth but are indifferent to absolute truth in other areas of life, which results from their excessive attachment to this world.
• Realism: In its simplest form, realism is the doctrine popularized by Turgenev in Fathers and Sons, where the character Bazarov represents the “new man” of 1860s Russia. Realists tend to be materialists and determinists who judge all things in light of science and reject idealism and abstraction. They are hostile toward truth and fanatically devoted to the world.
• Vitalism: Vitalism eliminates truth as the criterion of human action and substitutes a new standard: the “life-giving” or the “vital.” This is the final divorce of life from truth, and it reduces everything to subjective experience and sensation. A key characteristic of vitalism is an attitude of dissatisfaction with oneself, the world, society, and God. It is driven by a restlessness that leads people to search for a substitute for God.
• Nihilism of Destruction: This is the most extreme form of nihilism, representing a rage against creation and civilization that will only be appeased when both are reduced to absolute nothingness. It is a uniquely modern phenomenon, as never before have people created a doctrine and a plan for achieving destruction. This philosophy is characterized by the phrase “there is no truth, all is permitted”, in which destruction is seen as a kind of creative act.

It is important to note that these manifestations of nihilism are not merely chronological; they overlap, and representatives from each stage can be found in the present day.

• How do contemporary values and attitudes reflect the philosophy of nihilism?

The philosophy of nihilism, characterized by the belief that there is no absolute truth, has deeply permeated contemporary values and attitudes. The decline of belief in absolute truth, particularly Christian Truth, has led to a reinterpretation of traditional values, emptying them of their original meaning and replacing them with a more relativistic and often nihilistic content. This shift is evident in various aspects of modern life.

• Theology: The concept of God, once considered the ultimate truth, has been redefined in modern thought. Instead of the omnipotent and omnipresent Creator, modern interpretations often present a distant or abstract deity, more of a mental construct than a real and active force in the world. This shift reflects the nihilist tendency to deny absolute truth, even in the realm of the divine.
• Ethics: The belief in eternal life and divine judgment has significantly waned in contemporary society. This decline has led to a focus on earthly life as the sole basis for morality, with less emphasis on eternal consequences. Consequently, values and actions are increasingly judged by their immediate impact and personal satisfaction rather than any absolute standard of right and wrong.
• Politics: The traditional view of government as divinely ordained has been replaced by a more humanistic and often nihilistic approach. The emphasis on individual autonomy and the rejection of absolute truth have contributed to a decline in respect for authority and a rise in rebellion against traditional institutions. This shift reflects the nihilist tendency to challenge and dismantle existing structures, even those rooted in long-held beliefs and values.

The pervasiveness of nihilistic philosophy is evident in the widespread acceptance of these reinterpreted values. Modern society, particularly in academic and intellectual circles, often shies away from discussions of absolute truth, preferring instead a more relativistic and skeptical approach. This trend further contributes to the decline of traditional values and the rise of a more nihilistic worldview, where individual interpretation and experience often take precedence over any established truths or principles.

• What are the four stages of Nihilism?

Stages of Nihilism

• Liberalism: Liberalism is a passive form of Nihilism that serves as the breeding ground for more advanced stages. It is characterized by an indifference to absolute truth due to excessive attachment to the world. Liberalism undermines truth by showing indifference, but it still holds onto the prestige of the concept of truth.
• Realism: Realism is a reaction to the vagueness of Liberalism. Realists attack absolute truth in the name of a lesser, partial truth, which they typically associate with scientific knowledge. They often view their devotion to this partial truth as a form of love for truth itself. Realism undermines truth by actively attacking it.
• Vitalism: Vitalism emerges from the disillusionment with both Liberalism and Realism. It eliminates truth as the criterion for human action and replaces it with a focus on what is “life-giving” or “vital,” representing a complete separation of life from truth.
• Nihilism of Destruction: This final stage is a “pure” form of Nihilism marked by a rage against creation and civilization. It seeks to reduce everything to absolute nothingness. Proponents of the Nihilism of Destruction believe that since there is no truth, everything is permitted.

While each stage represents a progression in Nihilist thought, elements of all stages can exist simultaneously in individuals and historical periods.

• What is the history of Nihilism?

“Nihilism–the belief that there is no Absolute Truth, that all truth is relative–is, Eugene affirmed, the basic philosophy of the 20th century” and has pervaded modern society so completely that “there is no longer any ‘front’ on which it may be fought.” While nihilism was most prevalent in the 20th century, each of its stages appeared in earlier centuries. The book goes on to categorize the stages of nihilism not as strictly chronological periods, but rather as representative of the development of the nihilist mentality. These stages—Liberalism, Realism, Vitalism, and the Nihilism of Destruction— overlap, and representatives of each stage are still present today.

Understanding Nihilism

Philosophical Foundations

• How does the belief that “all truth is relative” impact our daily lives and decision-making?

The belief that “all truth is relative” is the popular translation of the nihilist philosophy “there is no (absolute) truth”. This belief impacts decision-making by causing people to look away from eternal consequences and focus only on this world. For instance, the belief that there is no eternal life or judgment after death leads people to seek justification for their actions in this world. This results in a focus on worldly ends, such as comfort, business, or culture.

Furthermore, if there is no absolute truth upon which to base one’s life, then all that remains is power. When there is no ultimate right or wrong, those with power are free to determine these things for themselves, which can have dangerous consequences in the political realm.

• What is the Nihilist view of truth?

The Nihilist view of truth is defined by the phrase “there is no truth”. This perspective, most clearly articulated by Nietzsche, posits that there is no Absolute Truth and that all truth is relative. It stems from the belief that there is no “absolute state of affairs,” no ultimate reality or “thing-in-itself.” This denial of absolute truth is central to Nihilism and forms the foundation for its various manifestations.

To Nihilists, the universe provides no definitive answers to life’s fundamental questions. This concept, encapsulated in the phrase “there is no answer to the question: ‘why?'”, underscores the Nihilist acceptance of a world devoid of inherent meaning.

However, it’s crucial to understand that this Nihilist view doesn’t necessarily lead to a passive acceptance of meaninglessness. Instead, it often fuels a drive to create new values and reshape the world according to human desires, as traditional sources of meaning and authority are deemed irrelevant.

• What motivates Nihilist rebellion?

The driving force behind Nihilist rebellion is a deep-seated dissatisfaction and rejection of the existing order, fueled by a loss of faith in God and a rebellion against authority. This rebellion, characterized by doubt, disgust, envy, jealousy, pride, impatience, and blasphemy, compels Nihilists to either change the world or escape from it.

At its core, Nihilist rebellion stems from a fundamental opposition to authority, particularly the authority of God and His established institutions. Nihilists reject the authority of God, the Church, and any form of traditional order. This rebellion manifests as a desire to dismantle and annihilate the existing order, replacing it with a new system devoid of traditional values and beliefs.

The motivation for this rebellion is not merely a desire for reform or change within the existing system, but a complete and utter rejection of its fundamental principles.  Nihilists aim to eradicate Christian Truth and establish a new world order where man is the ultimate authority. This desire for complete upheaval is driven by a sense that the old order is fundamentally flawed and must be utterly destroyed to make way for a new, human-centered era.

• What is the ultimate spiritual end of Nihilism?

The ultimate spiritual end of Nihilism is Hell, which is characterized by eternal misery and the inability to achieve annihilation, even in death. While a Nihilist might seek to destroy everything, including themselves, in Hell, this desire for annihilation is ultimately futile. They are confronted with the persistence of God and their inability to escape His presence, even in their torment. This eternal suffering serves as a testament to God‘s enduring power and the failure of the Nihilist‘s desire to negate Him.

According to the author, the experience of Hell is a consequence of rejecting God‘s love and the eternal life offered through a relationship with Him. This eternal life, in contrast to the Nihilist‘s goal of nonexistence, is described as a state of fullness, abundance, and joy. The source suggests that true understanding of Hell‘s depths comes from experiencing the profound joy found in God‘s presence.

The book highlights the irony of the Nihilist‘s pursuit of nothingness: despite their attempts to eliminate the concept of Hell, they often create an image of it on earth through their actions. This resonates with the source’s assertion that those who reject God ultimately live in a state of spiritual emptiness, regardless of their worldly achievements. This emptiness, a consequence of denying God‘s love and presence, becomes a torment surpassing any earthly suffering.

The source concludes by emphasizing that God‘s love extends even to those who have rejected Him. Despite the Nihilist‘s efforts to deny God‘s existence and escape His presence, they ultimately find themselves face-to-face with Him in Hell, experiencing the full weight of their rejection. This eternal suffering, while a stark reality, serves as a testament to God‘s enduring love, which pursues even those who have turned away from Him.

• How does the spirit of Nihilism manifest?

The spirit of Nihilism, marked by rebellion against God and a thirst for destruction, manifests in diverse ways:

• Rebellion Against Authority: This rebellion targets the very foundation of authority in all aspects of life. In politics and society, Nihilism fuels revolutions that seek not mere reforms but the complete overthrow of existing power structures and the establishment of entirely new systems of governance. In religion, it aims to redefine or abolish faith and spiritual experience, while in art and literature, it challenges and dismantles established aesthetic canons and traditions.
• Embrace of Violence: Nihilism views violence not as a regrettable necessity but as a tool for dismantling the old world and ushering in a new one. This lust for destruction manifests in the actions of revolutionaries like Lenin and Hitler, who employed violence and terror to advance their ideologies. The glorification of war and destruction by groups like the Futurists further exemplifies this aspect of the Nihilist spirit.
• Search for New Meaning: With the destruction of the old order, Nihilism seeks to create new meaning in a world devoid of God. This search often manifests in various forms of Vitalism, such as the pursuit of “life-furthering” experiences, occultism, “new thought,” and attempts to find meaning in nature or personal encounters.
• Transformation of Humanity: Nihilism aims to reshape humanity itself, seeking to create a “new man” free from the constraints of traditional values and beliefs. This transformation occurs through the combined forces of Realism and Vitalism: Realism, through standardization and mechanization, reduces the individual to a cog in the machine, while Vitalism seeks to liberate the individual from traditional moral and spiritual moorings, leaving them adrift in a sea of fleeting experiences and shifting values.

These manifestations of the Nihilist spirit are not isolated phenomena but interconnected aspects of a broader spiritual and philosophical crisis. This crisis, fueled by the “death of God” in the hearts of modern man, leads to a world of incoherence, absurdity, and despair.

Theoretical Perspectives

11. How does Liberalism relate to Nihilism?
12. How is Marxism characterized?
13. What is the Nihilist view of authority?
14. What does the Nihilist faith consist of?
15. What is the ultimate aim of the nihilist program?
16. What are the two paths of Nihilism?
17. What fear motivates most modern nihilism?
18. Help me understand the fear of “falling out of being”
19. What is meant by the phrase “beyond nihilism”?

Nihilism and Religion

Conflict and Contrasts

20. What is the central difference between Christian faith and Nihilism?
21. What is the Christian response to the Nihilist claim that “there is no truth”?
22. What does nihilism offer in place of God?
23. How can traditional religious beliefs provide a foundation for truth in the modern world?
24. What are the challenges of maintaining religious faith in a nihilistic society?
25. How can religious communities respond to the rise of nihilism among their followers?

Spiritual Implications

26. What motivates the Nihilist war on God?
27. What is the defining characteristic of the “new man” created by Nihilism?
28. Which concept does Fr. Seraphim Rose argue is unique to the Christian tradition?
29. What is the foundation of the Old Order according to Fr. Seraphim Rose?

Nihilism and Science

Intersections with Philosophy

30. How can one reconcile scientific knowledge with metaphysical truths?
31. How does the rejection of absolute truth influence scientific inquiry and its conclusions?
32. How do scientific theories and principles rely on metaphysical assumptions?
33. In what ways can scientific and metaphysical knowledge complement each other?
34. What are the limitations of relying solely on scientific methods to understand the world?
35. How does scientism differ from science?
36. How does the idea that “the absolute cannot be attained by means of the relative” challenge modern scientific thinking?

Nihilism and Politics

Political Theory and Practice

37. How has the philosophy of nihilism influenced modern political theories and practices?
38. What are the theological, ethical, and political implications of the Liberal worldview as presented in the text?
39. What are the signs of nihilism in contemporary political discourse and policies?
40. How can we address the devaluation of life and God in today’s political environment?
41. In what ways can traditional values be preserved in a society leaning towards nihilism?
42. How can political leaders balance the need for power with the pursuit of truth and justice?
43. What is the Liberal view of government?
44. How is the Liberal view of God described?

Nihilism and Culture

Cultural Reflections

45. How does modern media contribute to the spread of nihilistic ideas?
46. What role do cultural narratives play in shaping our understanding of truth and morality?
47. How does the author characterize “new thought” and “positive thinking”?
48. What is the author’s view of modern art?
49. How can the arts and literature help counteract nihilistic tendencies in society?

Educational Impacts

50. How should educational institutions address the philosophical issues raised by nihilism?
51. What role should philosophy and ethics play in the modern education system?
52. How can educators help students navigate the complexities of truth and relativism?
53. What are the benefits and drawbacks of incorporating religious studies into secular education?
54. How can lifelong learning help individuals maintain a coherent worldview in a rapidly changing society?

Personal Development and Ethics

Finding Meaning and Purpose

55. How can individuals find meaning and purpose in a world where absolute truth is questioned?
56. Is it possible to live a fulfilling life without believing in any absolute truths?
57. How can individuals develop a personal philosophy that resists nihilism?
58. What ethical principles can guide one’s actions in a world without absolute truths?
59. How can one cultivate resilience and hope in the face of nihilistic despair?
60. What practices can help individuals find meaning and purpose in their lives?
61. How can mentorship and community support play a role in overcoming nihilistic tendencies?

Addressing Nihilism

Practical Responses

62. How can we address the contradictions inherent in the philosophy of relativism?
63. Can faith play a role in grounding our understanding of truth in the modern world?
64. What does the author suggest is the only way to combat nihilistic rebellion?
65. How can individuals resist the pull of nihilism in their personal and civic lives?
66. How can interfaith dialogue help address the philosophical challenges posed by nihilism?

Conclusion

67. What is the primary consequence of abandoning Christian truth according to the text?
68. What is the goal of the nihilist?
69. What three worldviews does the text contrast?
70. Glossary of key concepts and ideas with their definitions