What is Wrong with the Modern View of Identity (Trueman's Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self Part 3)

Published in 1959, 'Naked Lunch' is a highly symbolic and surreal novel that follows the character William Lee, a heroin addict, as he navigates through various locations including New York, Mexico, and the fictional city of Interzone. The book is structured as a series of non-chronological 'routines' that blur the lines between reality and fantasy. It critiques societal norms, drug culture, and the mechanisms of control, using vivid and often disturbing imagery. The novel was the subject of obscenity trials due to its explicit content but was ultimately cleared of charges, recognizing its literary and social importance.

In this book, Carl R. Trueman explores the historical and philosophical roots of the modern concept of the self, tracing the development from an externally defined identity to an internally focused, expressive individualism. He examines the contributions of thinkers such as Rousseau, the Romantics, Freud, and contemporary philosophers like Charles Taylor, Philip Rieff, and Alasdair MacIntyre. Trueman argues that the sexual revolution is a symptom of a broader transformation in human selfhood, which has led to a highly psychologized and sexualized understanding of identity. The book provides a comprehensive analysis of how these changes have shaped modern culture and offers guidance for Christians navigating these cultural shifts.

Written in a style of spontaneous prose, 'On the Road' is a semi-autobiographical novel that follows the travels of Sal Paradise and his friend Dean Moriarty across America. The book captures the spirit of the post-war Beat Generation, embracing a lifestyle of freedom, jazz, and rebellion against societal norms. It has become a defining work of American counterculture.

Written in Latin between AD 397 and 400, 'Confessions' is a blend of autobiography, philosophy, theology, and critical exegesis of the Christian Bible. The first nine books are autobiographical, tracing Augustine's life from his birth to his conversion to Catholicism. He recounts his sinful youth, his involvement with Manicheism and Neoplatonism, and his eventual conversion in a Milanese garden. The last four books focus on philosophical and theological issues, including memory, time, eternity, and the interpretation of the Book of Genesis. The work is structured as a series of prayers to God, reflecting Augustine's journey of redemption and his understanding of God's grace and providence.

Published in 1651, 'Leviathan' by Thomas Hobbes is a comprehensive treatise on political philosophy. The book is divided into four main parts: 'Of Man,' 'Of Commonwealth,' 'Of a Christian Commonwealth,' and 'Of the Kingdom of Darkness. ' Hobbes argues that the natural state of humans is one of conflict and anarchy, and that the best way to achieve peace and security is through the establishment of a commonwealth governed by an absolute sovereign. This sovereign, which Hobbes terms the 'Leviathan,' has supreme authority over all aspects of governance, including law, religion, and public offices. Hobbes' work is a foundational text in social contract theory and continues to influence political thought to this day.