There is a new more introspective Christianity peopled by those who understand the insights of sociology and psychology who have an objective view of their accepting the myth of the biblical truisms. It is reflected in this article in the New York Times, "Belief Is the Least Part of Faith," By T. M. LUHRMANN
This link is to the article and the comment by a reader that received much acclaim, that is somewhat contemptuous of the writers view, that my reply below addresses. This discussion is meaningful for secular groups, such as The Humanist Association, that has evolved combating a different more fundamentalist brand of Christianity while stilling having political impact, are approaching being a convenient straw man that prevents a needed more nuanced development of secular values.
At the recent Humanist convention, I attended a talk by Tom Krattenmaker writer of The Evangelicals You Don't Know: Introducing the Next Generation of Christians. This is from Publisher's weekly review:
He is convinced that people such as Kevin Palau, Gabe Lyons, Jonathan Merritt, and even Focus on the Family’s new leader, Jim Daly, are moving away from confrontation on such issues as abortion and gay rights. He also suggests evangelicals may be distancing themselves from their unblinking support of capitalism and the Republican Party. And they are also doing good works, whether fighting sex-trafficking or adopting orphans. Krattenmaker calls this “goodwill-mongering” evangelism and salutes these efforts. He convincingly argues that liberals, and especially atheists, should drop their reflexive antipathy toward evangelicals and begin to engage them. The two camps may not agree, but the nation may be better served by a more understanding and respectful posture. While many of the evangelicals he writes about have written their own books, this volume may be more persuasive to left-leaning, secular readers
This could be a sea change that augers the possibility of finding common ground between theists and a-theists.
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Here is my reply to the N.Y. Times comment found at link above.
Here's the problem of your argument against religion, it assumes that atheism is an inherent antidote to the evils that you describe. Group think is group think, whether the person leading the horde is ordained, or promoting secular systems that are equally denying of independent rational thought.
Are you aware of speech codes that pervade universities, and they are only the overt restrictions that shape thinking into a narrow spectrum of possibilities. From undergraduates, to those seeking their Ph.Ds continuing through those trying to gain tenure-- these restrictions apply.. And then when they have the coveted "Academic Freedom" able to speak the unorthodox, why take the risk, as the self perpetuating institutional values have taken on a life of their own. See: Harvard President Larry Summers.
We may focus on the few who deny evolution, but they are not a force at all-even in Texas they are outvoted. And as far as anthropogenic global warming, sure it exists, but belief that there is the political possibility of reversing this is a "convenient illusion." that is part of the liberal orthodoxy. And check out the work of cosmologists, including those who make a living saying time is reversible. Their work can be described as secular mysticism, and it pays in promotion and grants.
We are a social species, a need that must be satisfied whether the common belief we embrace is theistic or secular. Few can live without it.
Al Rodbell
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