In his thought-provoking work, A Preface to Morals, Lippmann articulates a striking transformation in the realm of religious faith within contemporary society. He asserts that the bedrock of traditional religious beliefs has crumbled. This shift does not imply an absence of belief in God, but rather a profound evolution in the very nature of belief itself. Religion, once embraced as an unchallenged truth, now exists in a landscape brushed with skepticism, even among the devout.

Lippmann further argues that the time-honored religious hierarchy, with its vision of an omnipotent God the Father, no longer aligns with the egalitarian ethos of a democratic world. In essence, religion has been stripped of its once omnipresent authority over societal norms. Consequently, Lippmann contends, there is an urgent need for a new framework of values to fulfill the role that religion once played in guiding modern civilization.

Lippmann's Argument on Modernity and Tradition

In his compelling discourse, Lippmann contends that history has witnessed transformative changes that have radically reshaped modern society. He vividly describes how the "acids of modernity" have corroded the very foundations of traditional belief systems. At the heart of his argument lies the notion that conventional religion no longer aligns with the realities faced in today's world. These disparities, he reasons, make it nearly impossible for contemporary individuals to embrace religious dogma with the same unquestioning faith that was prevalent in bygone eras.

Lippmann further argues that the democratization sweeping through modern societies renders many age-old beliefs obsolete. As a result, the modern democratic citizen is surrounded by evidence that seeds doubt. For example, the prevailing ethos of religious tolerance, underpinned by the separation of church and state, suggests that no single religion can lay claim to absolute truth. He observes that with society's shift from rural to urban landscapes, the rhythms of city life clash with the essence of tradition and age-old convictions.

Moreover, the social and geographical mobility characteristic of contemporary living standards fosters a propensity to abandon tradition altogether. Thus, Lippmann concludes that the currents of modern life stand in stark opposition to the embrace of traditional religious faith and doctrine.

Walter Lippmann expresses a profound concern over what he sees as a contemporary crisis in moral leadership. He contends that the moral compass, once firmly rooted in religious convictions, has dimmed and wavered in its influence. Lippmann perceives the erosion of traditional religious faith as an unavoidable consequence of living in the modern world. However, he believes that the quest for moral guidance is not driven by inherent wickedness in society's members, but rather by their estrangement from established religious doctrines.

According to Lippmann, the wisdom of sages from both bygone and present days is the most fitting fountain from which to draw moral guidance suitable for today's challenges. Luminaries such as Aristotle, Buddha, Confucius, Jesus, Plato, Socrates, Spinoza, and others stand ready to assume this mantle. Yet, he emphasizes that the foundation of moral authority in our contemporary era must ultimately arise from the discernment of each individual, relying on their personal evaluation of these sages' insights.

The Essence of Humanism

Lippmann proposes humanism as a guiding beacon for moral authority, envisioning it as a fitting substitute for religion in the contemporary world. He elucidates that the ethos of humanism stems from "human experience" rather than divine decree. In Lippmann's view, humanism is rooted in the essence of humanity itself—not in the supernatural.

This philosophy champions the pursuit of "human happiness," free from the mandates of a higher power. Unlike unwavering dogma, humanism is fluid, evolving with the complexity and dynamism of society. It thrives on human experience and is honed through trial and error, its merit weighed by individual discernment.

Lippmann embraces humanism because he believes it is the sole value system that aligns with the needs of modern society, providing the moral grounding once offered by religion.