The primary characteristic of modernity is Gnosticism. Modern Gnosticism is an inversion of ancient Christian Gnosticism and that of other ancient Near Eastern religions. Those equated evil with the material world, and devised various secret doctrines and rituals designed to spiritualize the world and existence as an escape from this material hell. Valentinus was the most prominent and influential Gnostic of the early Church. His teachings were critically examined and debunked by Irenaeus, and his doctrine formally repudiated by the Church. However, his legacy continued through the teachings of others, most notably Joachim of Flora, Hegel and their epigones. Their influence has been so extensive that if you attempt a philosophical, political or theological discussion today, with virtually any person on the planet, you will quickly discover that the other person’s ideas will be entirely grounded in Gnostic mythology. Modernity has become the most successful Gnostic myth in history. https://orthodoxreflections.com/gnosticism-is-the-root-of-modernity/