Where Secularism Fails

In his Commonweal article, “Where Secularism Fails,” Paul Baumann touches on Norman Mailer’s sharp critiques of modern secularism. Mailer argued that the Enlightenment’s focus on reason and progress often overlooked deeper human needs—like confronting existential questions and finding meaning in a chaotic world. Baumann brings up Mailer to remind readers of the power of religious or spiritual perspectives in addressing the moral gaps left by a purely secular worldview. For Mailer enthusiasts, it’s another nod to his ability to challenge conventional thinking and push boundaries in his exploration of society’s big questions.