user: What are the central beliefs in the civil religion that dominates the West at the beginning of the 21st century?

assistant: The central beliefs of the civil religion that dominates the West at the beginning of the 21st century are largely based on the principles of humanism, democracy, and the rule of law. This civil religion is based on the idea that the individual has rights and freedoms that should be respected, and that all people should be free to practice their own religion or beliefs. It also emphasizes the importance of cooperation and respect for the environment, and encourages people to work together to ensure justice and equality for all. Additionally, this civil religion is based on the idea that people should be held accountable for their actions and that governments should be held accountable to their citizens.

user: How have these beliefs shifted since the early 1900s?

assistant: The set of beliefs that make up the civil religion of the West has evolved over time and has undergone significant shifts since the early 1900s. Here are some examples of how these beliefs have changed:

1. Belief in democracy: The belief in democracy has grown and become more widespread since the early 1900s. Many Western countries have expanded the right to vote to all citizens and have developed more participatory forms of government. However, the rise of authoritarianism in some parts of the world has led to concerns about the future of democracy.

2. Belief in capitalism: The belief in capitalism has become more entrenched and dominant since the early 1900s. In many Western countries, capitalism has become the dominant economic system and has been associated with rising prosperity and economic growth. However, there have been growing concerns about the concentration of wealth and power among a small group of individuals and corporations, and about the negative impact of unbridled capitalism on the environment and on social inequality.

3. Belief in human progress: The belief in human progress has continued to shape Western societies since the early 1900s, but it has been tempered by a growing recognition of the limits of technology and the unintended consequences of scientific advancement. The devastating impact of two world wars, the Cold War, and other conflicts has also led to a more skeptical view of the idea of inevitable progress.

4. Belief in individualism: The belief in individualism has remained a central tenet of Western societies since the early 1900s, but it has been challenged by the rise of collective movements and ideologies. The civil rights movement, feminism, and other social movements have emphasized the importance of group identity and collective action, while postmodernism and other cultural movements have challenged the idea of fixed individual identities.

5. Belief in diversity and tolerance: The belief in diversity and tolerance has become more widespread and accepted in Western societies since the early 1900s. Many Western countries have made significant progress in promoting equal rights and opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their personal characteristics. However, there has also been a rise of nativist and xenophobic movements in recent years, which have challenged the idea of diversity and tolerance.

Overall, the civil religion of the West has evolved over time and has been shaped by a wide range of historical, political, social, and cultural factors. While some beliefs have become more entrenched, others have been challenged and reinterpreted in response to changing circumstances and new challenges.