A Religious Solution to the Social Problem

As for the social problem for which we seek a solution, it is the fundamental dilemma out of which most present-day social problems arise. Stated as briefly as possible, we seek a remedy for excessive individualism, and we require of this remedy that it shall at the same time respect the hard-won rights of the individual.

The paradoxical character of this statement suggests that, if there be a solution, it may turn out to be a religious one, for religion feeds on paradox. No merely logical scheme, based wholly on science and reason, will, it is probable, do more than submerge the individual through some sort of mechanical collectivism. Religion at its highest and most creative stage is, we shall find, the one solvent for excessive individualism which at the same time enhances the respect for individual personality.