Summary of Erich Fromm – Das Fiasko der Religion

00:00:00 - 00:25:00

In this video, Erich Fromm discusses the dual function of religion, which has led to its crisis. He argues that while religion is no longer a viable explanation for natural phenomena, it still serves as a moral code that is difficult to practice in modern society. Fromm suggests that a new religion centered around technology is emerging, which has no moral principles other than the use of technology, and warns that this could lead to an amoral society. He cites the rise of moral principles based on humanism, such as peace, love, and self-sacrifice, and argues that promoting empathy and compassion and not discouraging these traits is necessary for promoting morality and preventing susceptibility to external influences.

• 00:00:00 In this section, Erich Fromm discusses the double trouble of religion, which means that religion had a dual function of nature explanation and moral principles. This duality, according to Fromm, is due to the fact that the hypothesis of the world's creation by God was an extremely rational hypothesis. It was more comprehensible and logical than the current thesis of human development through natural selection or mutation. The religious belief and the human need to understand the world's origin and development have always been linked. However, Fromm posits that religion has been in a crisis, and it is rapidly intensifying.
• 00:05:00 In this section, Erich Fromm discusses the propaganda of patriarchy in which women are portrayed as less ethical and realistic than men, which is nothing more than a tool to keep women subservient. He also talks about the failure of religion in explaining natural phenomena, which was exposed with the Darwinian theory of evolution. While religion lost its ground as an explanation for nature, it continued to hold a place as a moral code, but the society’s demand for success and achievement made it difficult to practice Christian or Jewish virtues such as loving one's neighbor, loving one's enemy, and giving to the poor, without compromising one's position in society. However, Fromm believes that it is still possible to be loving and ethical without compromising success and competence.
• 00:10:00 In this section, Erich Fromm argues that the moral values of Judaism are diametrically opposed to the moral values of success that are necessary in modern society. This has resulted in religion losing its role as a representative of values, as God is no longer seen as the creator of the world or a messenger of values such as love and selflessness. Fromm suggests that humans cannot live without some sort of religion, and although there have been many religions over time, a new religion appears to be emerging - the religion of technology. This religion has two aspects - the vision of an unrestricted and unlimited satisfaction of desires, and the desire to understand and control the secrets of nature. While the economic production of society may benefit from the latter aspect, the former aspect is making people lazy and physically ill.
• 00:15:00 In this section, Erich Fromm discusses the idea of humans becoming gods and the rise of a new religion centered around technology. He argues that the Apollo moon landings were a religious and heathen reaction by humans, who have moved towards becoming god-like figures by transcending their earthly limitations. This has resulted in the formation of a new religion that values technological progress above all else, and sees astronauts as high priests of this new vision. Fromm points out that this religion has no moral principles other than the use of technology, and suggests that this could lead to an amoral society in which anything is possible.
• 00:20:00 this section, Erich Fromm discusses the decline of morality and the rise of new moral principles in society. He notes that the restrictions on the use of violence have weakened, as the expression of empathy and sympathy have diminished in people. Fromm also highlights the prevalence of torture in governments and by those fighting against them, indicating a moral decline. However, he recognizes the emergence of new moral principles such as the fight for peace, love over consumption, and the moral of self-sacrifice in political struggle. Fromm notes that these moral principles are not derived from religion, but rather from a humanistic basis. He cites Buddhism as an example of moral principles that are based on humanism and not on patriarchal authority. Fromm argues that humans have a deep-rooted need to act morally, as it creates an inner harmony and balance that is lost through immoral behavior.
• 00:25:00 In this section of the video, Erich Fromm discusses the conditions necessary for promoting morality. He suggests that individuals must not be constantly told that it is immoral to pursue their own interests or that they must commit immoral acts in order to obey their government. Additionally, people should not be discouraged from showing empathy and compassion. Fromm notes that if these conditions are not met, individuals may become susceptible to external influences that encourage them to ignore their inner voice and moral compass. While some argue that if God is dead, anything is allowed, Fromm contends that this is not true.