#94 Musings Beyond the Bunker (Tuesday July 20)
Good morning,
THE ROLE OF RELIGION IN SOCIETY
Peter Bain agrees that religious institutions need to find ways to recruit “church-goers” without demanding deep religious belief. However, he points out that religions have “the unfortunate habit of identifying non-believers as ‘the other,’ in the same way that political parties are busy currently identifying “the other” as the object of hate and rejection.
Certainly, there is some of this. Peter points out that his kids point out that “the most relentless and brutal wars in human history are based on religious conflict.” This is true, but I’d point out that over history religions have evolved to be more ecumenical and welcoming of each other. I’d also add that one should ask the question about the growing religious fervor in the political sphere and ask, “who sounds more like Torquemada? Pope Francis or Tucker Carlson?” Game. Set. Match.
Bob Badal notes that, “with regard to Musing #81, you may find Alienated America by Tim Carney to be of interest. One of his hypotheses is that the local church, synagogue, and/or mosque is a keystone to holding a local community together. This role of the houses of worship was not based primarily in religious teaching or sermonizing but rather in the mere fact that local churches are a venue for meeting and cooperating with other members of the community. Accordingly, the decline in church attendance and/or affiliation has been correlated with a decline in social cohesion.”
SOME RANDOM THOUGHTS
A few random thoughts from some random friends:
“Is a double extra bases? Virtually all sportscasters report it as such. I contend it’s only an extra base.” Mark Greenfield
“I lost respect for Originalists when Scalia decided that corporations have the same rights as people.” –Alan Rosenbach
Regarding USC’s cultural failings, Mark DiMaria writes: “My perception as a relative outsider is that the overall atmosphere that led to the greatly disastrous failings of our alma mater was one in which there was an unmoderated drive for money..." My impression…was that if someone was offering a large sum of any kind to the University, it would be accepted, with whatever strings were attached and no questions asked. It seemed that everything was measured by the sum of cash brought in. Those faculty, administrators, and Board members who facilitated the collection of significant funds were not only tolerated, but celebrated, despite other "shortcomings," which thus may have been ignored. This structure was at the center of the rot.”
“A mentor once told me that a ship's Captain is responsible for more than the ship, the crew, and the passengers. A Captain is responsible for the ship's wake too, and the damage it causes. That stuck with me. What do I leave in my ‘wake’? What damage or possible damage am I responsible for by my actions?” –Mark Farrell
Happy Day,
Glenn
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