Rousseau’s Theism: A Middle Ground Between Fanaticism and Deism
Theism and Rousseau
Rousseau’s Religious Stance
Rousseau is often associated with natural religion, particularly the theistic perspective presented in the “Profession of Faith of a Savoyard Vicar.” However, he adds a unique personal touch to this viewpoint. He tackles issues like error, ignorance, prejudice, deception, and illusion. Rousseau confronts the prevailing atheist and materialist Enlightenment, recognizing their compelling arguments. Simultaneously, he aims to purify religion from prejudice and fanaticism without eliminating it, thus challenging fanatical orthodoxy.
Rousseau’s Approach to Religion
In his Letters Written from the Mountain, Rousseau clarifies his position on religion: “Far from attacking the true principles of religion, the author supports them with all his might. He attacks, combats blind fanaticism, superstition, cruelty, and stupid prejudice.”
Rousseau’s God differs from the distant, uninvolved God of Deism. Rousseau’s God is both provident and creator, engaging with humanity directly, without the mediation of churches. This connection is achieved through the heart, making natural religion more than just an intellectual construct. Rousseau’s approach is deeply personal and experiential.
Rousseau’s Appreciation for the Gospel
Rousseau expresses an unusual appreciation for the Gospel in Emile. The Savoyard Vicar states: “I confess… that the sanctity of the Gospel speaks to my heart. Look at the books of the philosophers with all their pomp. How insignificant they are beside it!” (Paragraph 172).
Theism as a Middle Ground
Rousseau’s theism attempts to bridge the gap between fanaticism and Deism. He criticizes fanatics for their unquestioning acceptance of dogma, even when it contradicts reason. He also disagrees with Deists, who view God as a product of intellectual deduction, necessary for explaining the universe but lacking personal attributes like goodness and wisdom.
Deism’s Limitations
Deism reduces God to a mere explanation for the universe’s mechanics. It posits that since the universe resembles a machine, there must be a force that set it in motion. However, Deism cannot delve deeper into God’s nature or the world’s workings.
Rousseau’s Rejection of Deism
Rousseau rejects this approach, believing that God is not a product of reasoning but an object of feeling. God is experienced through emotions, similar to how we are moved by music or a kind gesture. God is connected to our moral and existential being, not to abstract concepts like physics or geometry.
God’s Role in Morality
Rousseau’s concept of God becomes practical and value-based. God serves as a guide for our behavior, working in conjunction with reason. While feelings are important, they should not override our ability to distinguish right from wrong. Theism suggests that our actions are justified by our perception of God; feeling God is akin to feeling that we are acting morally.
Theism’s Balanced Approach
Theism avoids the extremes of Deism and fanaticism. It acknowledges the importance of both reason and feeling in understanding God and morality. Rousseau criticizes Deism’s excessive intellectualism, which fails to address human life’s complexities. He also criticizes fanaticism’s reliance on blind faith, neglecting the role of reason in morality.
The Practical Turn in Philosophy
Rousseau’s theism advocates for a practical turn in philosophy. He believes that philosophy should focus on practical, moral, and existential issues rather than solely on theoretical or scientific matters. God’s justification lies within the realm of morality. Philosophy should offer guidance in these matters, as the Savoyard Vicar does for the troubled teenager in Emile.
Rousseau’s Goal
Rousseau’s theism aims to provide practical and moral guidance. He believes that philosophy should address the fundamental questions that torment individuals, such as: Should we indulge our passions or control them? Is virtue truly superior to vice? What is the value of serving others? Should we prioritize self-interest? Are generosity, altruism, and compassion ultimately mistakes?
Rousseau’s Profession of Faith of the Savoyard Vicar attempts to answer these questions, offering a framework for navigating life’s moral dilemmas.