Reference no: EM133214061

New Ideas Versus Old Beliefs

The thinkers of the Enlightenment prized individual reason over authority. They questioned foundations of religion, morality, and government. Everything was being re-examined and re-evaluated in the light of reason. This outlook led to many clashes with accepted beliefs and the ruling powers who upheld them.

Christian faith, for example, was based largely on trust in the Bible as God's word. Enlightenment thinkers believed that humans were perfectly able to discover truth for themselves. Some of them even questioned the existence of God. Others sought a "natural religion" based on reason. To these thinkers, the order in the universe was proof enough of an intelligent Creator. They believed that there was no need to base belief in God on revelations in holy books. Similarly, they maintained that ideas about right and wrong should be based on rational insight, not on the teachings of religious authorities. Enlightenment thinkers also criticized accepted ideas about government. Some questioned the long-held belief that God gave monarchs the right to rule. Many insisted that governments must respect individual rights. Toward the end of the 18th century, these ideas played a major role in revolutions in both America and France.

Discuss one of the conflicts that arose from the advent of Enlightenment thinking and views, such as the clash between reason and faith, or authority and individual rights, church and state, etc. Is this still a conflict today? Explain in what manner it continues to be a conflict, or how it has been resolved in contemporary times. Cite specific examples to support your views.