The Eclipse of Sacred Order: Philip Rieff's Critique of Community in the Therapeutic Age

This article explores Philip Rieff’s critical analysis of modern society’s shift from traditional sacred orders to the dominance of therapeutic culture. Rieff argues that the erosion of communal sacred frameworks has led to the rise of individualism and self-fulfillment as primary social values, undermining collective authority and shared meaning. The paper examines how this transition impacts the cohesion and identity of communities, highlighting the consequences of therapeutic culture’s focus on personal well-being over social responsibility. By revisiting Rieff’s critique, the article provides insight into the challenges facing contemporary community life and the potential paths toward reconstituting social order.