Chapter 1: The Rise of Self-Worship

The question arises: Has self-worship supplanted genuine faith and religion? While it may seem like a simplistic debate, there are valid points to consider.

When you mention "The Kardashians," most people—unless they are young girls enamored with Instagram culture or fans of Kanye West—might respond with terms like "superficial" or "famous for being famous." They epitomize the societal shift towards a focus on celebrity culture, which many argue detracts from meaningful self-reflection and spirituality. Although this criticism holds some truth, it's worth noting that the Kardashians are shrewd businesspeople and have achieved fame through various avenues beyond mere notoriety. Moreover, society often harbors negativity towards successful individuals, as seen in sports fandoms like those who dislike Duke basketball.

To illustrate this further, I recently viewed a segment featuring Megyn Kelly discussing the perceived decline of faith in Western society. The speaker, who recently published a book, presented several points that resonated, but I was put off when he cited "transgenderism among teens" as evidence of a spiritual crisis. This remark felt like a predictable talking point from a conservative perspective, raising questions about his understanding of the broader social context.

The notion that "America has lost its faith" is prevalent, echoed by various commentators, including Kelly. While there may be statistical backing for the decline of organized religion, it prompts a crucial question: What has taken its place?

Common responses include:

• Work
• Identity and identity politics
• A busier lifestyle
• Parenting

In my view, the concepts of "identity" and "work" are the leading contenders for the title of "new religion," especially in the U.S., where we grapple with identity issues that often stem from economic disparities. This phenomenon is compounded by the tendency to cancel social engagements due to work commitments.

The video linked below captures this sentiment: the speaker argues that Americans have shifted their worship from a divine figure to themselves. This brings us back to our earlier discussion about the Kardashians.

How accurate is this assertion? There are certainly examples supporting this idea. Instagram, despite facing competition from TikTok, remains a platform where self-promotion thrives, reflecting a culture of self-admiration.

Yet, I believe we often speak in extremes. The majority of people are preoccupied with daily responsibilities—paying bills, maintaining relevance, and managing family activities. For many, self-esteem has been eroded by societal pressures and economic challenges, leading to a lack of self-adoration in online spaces. While some individuals appear to flaunt their lives despite feeling inadequate, this only perpetuates a cycle of discontent.

Analyzing the behavior of millions is complex, but it seems we have a superficial self-worship issue concentrated among a small percentage of active online users—those who frequently post their lives for public consumption.

Perhaps the more pressing concern is our inability to pinpoint the root causes of our societal issues and how to tackle them. For instance, a religious commentator on a conservative platform might argue that societal collapse stems from self-worship, advocating for political solutions like supporting Trump. Such narratives, while prevalent, often miss the larger picture.

We may need to consider whether our obsession with personal identity and validation is preventing us from addressing the significant issues at hand. This fixation might explain why we allow work to overshadow our relationships and community connections.

Just a perspective worth pondering.

Your thoughts?

Chapter 2: The Cultural Impact of Social Media

In the second part of this discussion, we delve into the implications of social media on our spiritual and social lives. The following video explores personal experiences with faith and its intersection with contemporary culture.