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> I remain puzzled about what precisely the author believes Christianity itself brings to the questions and life situations she is writing about, above and beyo

> I remain puzzled about what precisely the author believes Christianity itself brings to the questions and life situations she is writing about, above and beyond what the simple act of being a self-aware human can. I interpreted this essay as largely about the bonds that form within a tightly knit community, as well as how this larger community can support, enrich, and - ultimately - outlast the individual members. For the author of this article, this social fabric happens to be constructed out of a shared religious faith, and I think this faith is essential to her essay. I (an avowed atheist) would suggest that the secular world has failed to present reasonable alternatives to this (positive) aspect of such communities. I could never share the religious beliefs that these people have, but I remain ever envious of their sense of kinship which transcends both blood lines and geography.

walledstance 4y ago
Thank you for stating this. I share your envy. In my own life I find myself sharing articles with many contacts in my phone. Sometimes 10-15 people at a time. I don’t know if this acts as a means to create a facsimile of the community the author alludes. If my sharing articles is a thrust towards crafting community, it is a paltry comparison to the type you and I envy. I’m going to have to think on this. Thank you
taeric 4y ago
I fail to see how the secular world has failed to present a reasonable alternative. For several reasons. One, it isn't like Christianity is the dominant religious option on the planet. It has a particular dominance in much of "the west," but it is quite new on the planet and is not a clear example of just having a positive impact. Specifically, as much as it can be seen as giving a positive aspect of successful communities, the tension between it and other religious offerings really throws that idea a huge curve ball. This is completely ignoring a lot of the "forced" re-educations and conversions that have happened to get where we are. To directly state what the secular world has offered, separating government from religion is a big one. It is very sad to see the steps getting lost in that direction.

walledstance 4y ago

Thank you for stating this. I share your envy. In my own life I find myself sharing articles with many contacts in my phone. Sometimes 10-15 people at a time. I don’t know if this acts as a means to create a facsimile of the community the author alludes. If my sharing articles is a thrust towards crafting community, it is a paltry comparison to the type you and I envy. I’m going to have to think on this. Thank you

taeric 4y ago

I fail to see how the secular world has failed to present a reasonable alternative. For several reasons. One, it isn't like Christianity is the dominant religious option on the planet. It has a particular dominance in much of "the west," but it is quite new on the planet and is not a clear example of just having a positive impact. Specifically, as much as it can be seen as giving a positive aspect of successful communities, the tension between it and other religious offerings really throws that idea a huge curve ball. This is completely ignoring a lot of the "forced" re-educations and conversions that have happened to get where we are. To directly state what the secular world has offered, separating government from religion is a big one. It is very sad to see the steps getting lost in that direction.