In the narrative of human philosophies, individualism focuses on the rights, concerns, and goals of each person, often pushing the boundaries of personal liberty and autonomy. This emphasis on self has led to significant advancements and innovations, yet it also erodes loyalty to established institutions, fracturing society into smaller groups until only the individual remains. The drive for autonomy has thrust radical ideas into mainstream philosophy, education, and other fields, contributing to a cultural shift toward peak individualism in Western societies. This extreme focus on personal freedom often stands in opposition to communal values, highlighting the ongoing tension between individual desires and the collective good.

Autonomy, often celebrated as choice or free choice, underpins many challenges to the institutions of marriage and family. This concept, rooted in individualism, is a valued principle in American culture, recognized as a blessing of liberty. However, the exercise of individual choice frequently conflicts with societal good. Choosing the pill diminishes the children needed for society's continuation. Opting for extra-marital cohabitation denies offspring a legitimate family name. Selecting divorce causes significant economic and social harm to children. When a woman prioritizes career over family, she often delegates the teaching of values to non-family influences. In each instance, society suffers as individuals assert their freedom to choose.

Autonomy, as it emerges in the pursuit of liberty, often leads to a misguided sense of independence from God. It fosters an attitude where individuals become a law unto themselves, believing that personal interpretation and freedom allow them to act without restraint or accountability. This mindset manifests in the notion that if Jesus is a personal Savior, no external authority or community can dictate behavior, implying a liberty to do as one pleases. Such autonomy, rooted in individualism, undermines the communal bonds essential for true liberty, degenerating into a self-centered religion that prioritizes personal desires over fellowship and obedience to God. This pursuit of unrestrained freedom ultimately results in chaos and a return to servitude, as it rejects the divine limits that ensure genuine liberty through service to God.