ABSTRACT
The metaphysics of redemption has continued on undiminished after the death of God. It takes two distinct forms, Puritan and tragic. The first principle of Puritanism is that of conscience, making individuals responsible for what they do, but at the same time telling them that everything is predetermined. Puritanism recognizes that humans need to sublimate if they are not to degenerate into debauchery or madness, and so it commands them to disciplined work and pious living. In terms of sublimation, Puritanism’s achievement was to make work sacred.
The ancient Greeks scripted Western tragedy. The higher order of things has been violated, producing chaos, and in some cases radical evil. The hero is the victim, he or she who suffers the consequences, and, in some cases, strives to restore order. Tragedy is the most honest response in a guilt culture, stating categorically that there is no remission.
Sublimation, to be engaging and fulfilling, needs authority. Authority in a modern secular society is higher law, which is interpreted by the inner voice of conscience. After the death of God, Puritan and tragic cultural forms re-emerge to enable a new dynamic balance of persecutory and depressive guilt.
