The period from 1946 to 1964 is often referred to as the "Age of Anxiety" due to the widespread feelings of uncertainty, fear, and disillusionment that permeated many aspects of life in the post-World War II era. Several factors contributed to this atmosphere of anxiety, including the onset of the Cold War, the threat of nuclear annihilation, rapid technological changes, and shifting cultural and social norms. The period was marked by existential crises, concerns over modernity and technological advancement, and an overall sense of dread about the future.
I believe that we are currently in a new “Age of Anxiety.” However, instead of turning to religion to resolve existential anxiety, today Americans are turning to politics as a religion replacement.
Key Figures and Writings:
Several prominent thinkers, writers, and artists captured and explored the anxieties of this era. Here are some of the key figures and works associated with the "Age of Anxiety":
W. H. Auden – The Age of Anxiety (1947):
The term "Age of Anxiety" comes from Auden's long poem The Age of Anxiety, which explores the existential struggles of four individuals living in a postwar society. Auden uses these characters to reflect on the alienation and disillusionment of the time. The poem won the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1948 and became emblematic of the era.Reinhold Niebuhr – The Nature and Destiny of Man (1941–1943):
Niebuhr, a prominent theologian, examined the moral and spiritual anxieties of modern life. His writings reflected on the limitations of human nature and the existential dilemmas faced by individuals living in a world dominated by technology, politics, and ideology. Niebuhr’s Christian realism addressed the tension between human freedom and responsibility, particularly in the context of global politics and war.Jean-Paul Sartre – Being and Nothingness (1943) and Existentialism Is a Humanism (1946):
Sartre’s existentialist philosophy, which became widely influential during this period, emphasized human freedom, choice, and responsibility in a world that often seemed devoid of meaning. His focus on the anxiety of existence and the burden of creating meaning in an absurd world resonated deeply with the postwar generation.Albert Camus – The Stranger (1942) and The Myth of Sisyphus (1942):
Camus, like Sartre, explored existential themes in his writing. His concept of "the absurd" captured the tension between humans' desire for meaning and the indifferent, chaotic universe. Camus’s reflections on the absurdity of existence and the human condition resonated deeply during the Age of Anxiety.Franz Kafka – The Trial (published posthumously in 1925) and The Castle (1926):
Kafka’s novels, though written earlier, became hugely influential during this period. His portrayal of alienation, bureaucracy, and the individual's powerlessness in the face of impersonal systems reflected the anxieties of the postwar period.C. Wright Mills – The Power Elite (1956):
Mills explored the concentration of power in the hands of a small, elite class of military, political, and business leaders. He highlighted how this concentration of power contributed to widespread feelings of powerlessness and anxiety among ordinary citizens in the face of enormous, impersonal systems of authority.Hannah Arendt – The Origins of Totalitarianism (1951):
Arendt’s analysis of the rise of totalitarian regimes in the 20th century, particularly Nazism and Stalinism, examined the loss of individual freedom and the spread of terror as central aspects of modern political life. Her work reflected deep anxieties about the fragility of democracy and the dangers of authoritarianism.William Whyte – The Organization Man (1956):
Whyte's work explored the rise of corporate culture and its impact on individuality and autonomy. He examined how conformity and bureaucratic structures in the business world contributed to a sense of alienation and anxiety among workers in the postwar era.J.D. Salinger – The Catcher in the Rye (1951):
Salinger’s novel, which became an iconic voice of postwar youth, captured the alienation and existential angst felt by many young people during the 1950s. The protagonist, Holden Caulfield, embodied the disillusionment and anxiety of the era’s emerging generation.
For my purposes, I’d like to focus on the contributions of Reinhold Niebuhr, a prominent 20th-century Christian theologian and ethicist. Niebuhr addressed the theme of social anxiety primarily in the context of human nature and the complexities of modern society. In his writings, particularly in The Nature and Destiny of Man and Moral Man and Immoral Society, Niebuhr argues that social anxiety emerges from a combination of human limitations, sinfulness, and the tension between individual and collective interests.
Here are some key ideas from Niebuhr regarding social anxiety:
Human Finitude and Vulnerability: Niebuhr believed that humans are inherently anxious due to their finite and limited nature. We are conscious of our vulnerability, our inevitable mortality, and our inability to control all aspects of life. This creates a sense of insecurity and anxiety, particularly in the face of societal challenges.
The Anxiety of Freedom and Responsibility: Humans, according to Niebuhr, are unique in their ability to reflect on their own existence and make free choices. However, this freedom also brings the burden of responsibility, which often leads to anxiety. People become anxious about making the right choices, especially in a complex society where the consequences of actions are far-reaching.
Sin and Self-Interest: Niebuhr connects social anxiety with sin, which he defines as the tendency to prioritize self-interest over the common good. This self-centeredness leads to a breakdown in trust and cooperation within society. As individuals or groups pursue their own goals, anxiety arises from the competition and conflict that follows.
Collective vs. Individual Ethics: In Moral Man and Immoral Society, Niebuhr makes a distinction between the moral behavior of individuals and the often less moral behavior of groups. He argues that while individuals can act ethically, societies tend to be driven by self-interest and power dynamics. This creates anxiety because individuals feel powerless to influence larger social structures that seem immoral or unjust.
Political and Social Structures: Niebuhr highlights how modern political and economic systems exacerbate social anxiety by creating inequalities and concentrating power in the hands of a few. People become anxious when they feel alienated or marginalized by these systems, and this anxiety can lead to social unrest or nihilism.
Social anxiety, in part, explains why so many people were in churches in the 1950s.
The Original Age of Anxiety, 1946-1964
The period from 1946 to 1964, often referred to as the "Age of Anxiety," reflected deep cultural, political, and psychological tensions in the wake of World War II and the beginning of the Cold War. Several key factors contributed to this era being labeled as such:
1. Cold War Tensions and Fear of Nuclear War
After World War II, the rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union escalated, leading to the Cold War. This period was marked by the threat of nuclear annihilation, particularly after the Soviet Union successfully tested its own atomic bomb in 1949.
Events like the Cuban Missile Crisis (1962) brought the world to the brink of nuclear war, creating a pervasive atmosphere of fear and uncertainty.
The constant threat of mutually assured destruction (MAD) affected everyday life, contributing to a sense of existential dread and insecurity.
2. Post-War Displacement and Identity Crisis
Returning soldiers and civilians faced a period of readjustment following World War II. The trauma of the war, coupled with the rapid social and economic changes, left many feeling disoriented.
Veterans struggled with reintegration into civilian life, while women who had worked during the war were pushed back into traditional domestic roles, creating tensions around gender and identity.
3. The Rise of Suburbia and Conformity
The 1950s saw a boom in suburbanization, with families moving to newly built suburban homes. While this offered stability and prosperity for many, it also created a sense of uniformity and pressure to conform to societal expectations.
This new lifestyle was critiqued for fostering a culture of materialism and superficiality, which masked underlying anxieties about individual identity and meaning in life. Critics like sociologist David Riesman, in his book The Lonely Crowd (1950), described a society increasingly driven by "other-directed" conformity.
4. Psychological and Existential Concerns
The aftermath of the war, the Holocaust, and the use of atomic bombs prompted widespread existential reflection. Writers, philosophers, and psychologists grappled with the meaning of life in the shadow of such devastation.
Books like W.H. Auden’s The Age of Anxiety (1947) and the rise of existentialism, championed by thinkers like Jean-Paul Sartre and Albert Camus, reflected a cultural shift towards grappling with feelings of alienation, uncertainty, and a search for purpose.
There was also a growing concern about mental health during this period. The increasing reliance on psychoanalysis, as popularized by figures like Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung, emphasized that beneath the surface of prosperity lay deep psychological turmoil.
5. Civil Rights and Social Justice Movements
The early stages of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s and 1960s added to the cultural tension. The fight for racial equality in America, particularly with landmark events like the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education ruling and the Montgomery Bus Boycott (1955-56), highlighted the deep social injustices that had been ignored or suppressed.
Social and racial unrest created an atmosphere of anxiety as the nation grappled with its identity and the push for fundamental change.
6. The Red Scare and McCarthyism
In the late 1940s and early 1950s, the fear of communism swept through American culture, leading to the Red Scare. Senator Joseph McCarthy's hearings and accusations of communist sympathizers within the U.S. government and Hollywood intensified a climate of paranoia.
Many people lived in fear of being accused of disloyalty or un-American activities, leading to a culture of suspicion and mistrust that contributed to the overall sense of anxiety.
7. Rapid Technological and Cultural Change
The post-war period saw significant technological advancements, particularly in mass media, transportation, and consumer goods. Television became a dominant cultural force, bringing images of global conflicts, social upheaval, and consumer culture into homes.
While these advancements provided convenience and entertainment, they also contributed to the sense of acceleration and disconnection from traditional ways of life. People struggled to keep up with the pace of change, feeling overwhelmed by modernity.
8. Economic Shifts and Fear of Recession
Although the U.S. experienced significant economic growth in the post-war years, fears of economic downturns remained. The Great Depression was still fresh in the collective memory, and many feared the possibility of a return to economic instability.
Are we in another age of anxiety? I say, “Yes!”
2001-Present
Our current era, from 2001 to the present, can be considered another "Age of Anxiety," paralleling the post-World War II period of 1946 to 1964. Modern anxieties arise from a convergence of global threats, political divisions, and societal upheavals. Here’s how key events and developments in the modern era contribute to this age of anxiety:
1. Global Terrorism and the Aftermath of 9/11
The 9/11 attacks in 2001 marked the beginning of a new era of global fear and insecurity. The War on Terror, the rise of ISIS, and subsequent terrorist attacks around the world have fueled a pervasive sense of vulnerability and unease about global safety and national security.
2. Political Polarization and the Trump Election
The election of Donald Trump in 2016 intensified political polarization, exposing deep divides in American society over issues such as immigration, race, and national identity. Trump's presidency amplified anxieties about nationalism, populism, and the erosion of democratic norms, creating a climate of "us vs. them" thinking that mirrors past ideological struggles.
3. Social Unrest and the George Floyd Protests
The murder of George Floyd in 2020 ignited nationwide protests against police brutality and systemic racism. The George Floyd protests exposed deep racial inequalities in American society, leading to widespread social unrest and renewed anxieties about justice, equality, and racial violence. This period of racial reckoning parallels earlier civil rights struggles and deepened social divisions.
4. Climate Change and Environmental Anxiety
The growing awareness of climate change and its devastating consequences has created a pervasive sense of existential fear. Rising temperatures, natural disasters, and environmental degradation have left many anxious about the future of the planet and humanity’s ability to address these global challenges.
5. The COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic, which began in late 2019, dramatically intensified global anxiety. Widespread illness, death, economic shutdowns, and social isolation brought unprecedented uncertainty. The pandemic highlighted vulnerabilities in public health systems, job security, and social stability, adding layers of fear and uncertainty to daily life.
6. Economic Instability and Inequality
The 2008 global financial crisis left lasting scars on the economy, leading to long-term job insecurity, widening economic inequality, and financial instability for many. The rise of the gig economy, student debt, and unaffordable housing has created significant anxiety for younger generations about achieving financial stability and upward mobility.
7. Technological Overload and Social Media
The rise of social media and digital technology has transformed how people interact, creating new sources of anxiety. The pressure to maintain a curated online presence, fear of missing out (FOMO), and the constant bombardment of negative news through digital platforms contribute to feelings of isolation, inadequacy, and mental health struggles.
8. Mental Health Crisis
Rates of anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders have skyrocketed in recent years, exacerbated by social media, political turmoil, and economic stress. The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened the mental health crisis, leaving many individuals struggling with isolation and emotional distress.
The parallels between the "Age of Anxiety" from 1946 to 1964 and the period from 2001 to the present reveal striking similarities in how global, political, and social upheavals create widespread existential dread. Just as Cold War tensions, civil unrest, and rapid technological changes shaped the earlier era, today’s anxieties arise from terrorism, political polarization, social justice movements, and environmental threats. Both periods are marked by deep cultural divisions and a search for meaning in a rapidly changing world, emphasizing the need for thoughtful engagement with the spiritual and ethical dimensions of modern life.
Again, the difference is that Americans have turned to politics to resolves these anxieties rather than religion.
Religion Instead of Politics
From 2001 to the present, people have increasingly turned to politics to fulfill the role that religion once played during the first "Age of Anxiety" (1946-1964), largely due to the decline in traditional religious affiliation and the rise of political polarization. As institutional religion has waned, particularly among younger generations, people have sought alternative sources of meaning, identity, and community—needs historically met by religious institutions. Politics, with its strong ideological identities and moral narratives, has filled this void, becoming a form of "political religion" where political ideologies function as belief systems.
In an era of uncertainty and cultural fragmentation, politics offers a sense of belonging, purpose, and even salvation-like promises of societal transformation or protection. The events of 9/11, the financial crisis of 2008, the election of Donald Trump, and the rise of movements like Black Lives Matter after the killing of George Floyd have all heightened political engagement and deepened emotional investments in political identities. This has led to what some sociologists call "political tribalism," where politics provides a moral framework and sense of ultimate meaning, replacing the religious structures that once served as society's unifying force. In this way, politics has assumed a quasi-religious role in addressing existential anxieties, offering purpose and a vision of the good life in a secular age.
Conclusion
As we continue to navigate a new "Age of Anxiety," churches are uniquely positioned to address how people are coping with existential fears and uncertainties. The shift from traditional religious practices to political identity as a source of meaning reflects a growing tendency to seek salvation in ideological movements rather than in faith. This presents a critical opportunity for the church to call out the idol of politics, which many now view as a pathway to deliverance from perceived social or moral evils.
The role of the church is to remind people that true salvation and hope lie not in political victories or cultural dominance but in the deeper, eternal truths found in the redemptive eschatological mission of the Triune God. Politics can only offer temporary solutions to worldly issues, while God’s covenant promises offer lasting peace and a framework for living well with others, even amidst a polarized and anxious world. By re-centering Christ and exposing the dangers of elevating politics to a quasi-religious status, the church can guide people back to a healthier, more spiritually grounded approach to addressing the anxieties of modern life.