[riot504]

Thank you for that. I do have one of the Father's of the Church volumes and one of the book stores has a few other volumes.

I'm most interested right now in The City of God due to the context/thesis being relevant today. As a teenager I switched to Buddhism (20 or so years ago) but have gained new interest in my Catholic upbringing as I was finding it hard to relate to Buddhism and its history. Culturally it was different from my own and I always had a feeling of being an outsider/imposter.

Most of HN and others who are in educated professions appear to dismiss religion though I've come to find it as a guiding principal and cultural history - Western Civilization is built on Christianity, Catholcism for a larger portion.

Currently in the US we are losing our sense cultural understanding, in my opinion, and wish for the government to set laws and regulations on everything. The freedoms set forth in the first amendment give us the freedom to guide our lives as we see fit, religion filling the moral and spiritual need in our lives. The libertarian in me agrees with the freedom but to ensure others are given the same freedom as long we do no harm to others - nor should we judge or force our beliefs onto others.

Now I understand that certain groups haven't experienced the same freedoms as others but is that religions fault? I would say no, and offer the perspective of culture. Simple cultural norms bring us together. I live in the PNW and have a beard, I know if I were to back to New Orleans where I'm from a beard would be viewed differently causing issues with employment. This is a simple and harmless is example that isn't a non-issue compared to others.

Overall I'm excited to begin the journey with the open mind of an adult.

Sorry for tangent and possible incoherent ramble - on my tablet.

[geerlingguy]

> Most of HN and others who are in educated professions appear to dismiss religion

I think a lot of us just keep our mouths shut due to the large amount of vitriol that results from any rational discussion of metaphysics or the supernatural :)

[humanrebar]

To attempt to dispel some hesitance, I have a lot of conversations about this sort of thing. Only a minority involve any vitriol, and they're easy enough to walk away from. The more principled extroverts might comment on the tone of conversation as they leave.

And to attempt to make a positive case for engagement, we really need a lot more of it. We need to be careful because people of various religious (and agnostic and atheist) persuasions see this fear of engagement as a dislike or even hate of their kind of people (not just the theology or lack thereof). I don't want anyone to feel like they have to live secret or closeted lives. And it's pretty obvious that the stratification of Western culture is causing a lot of real problems.

[riot504]

I am unsure exactly your meaning regarding the stratification of Western culture, though I assume its in reference to inequality. If this is the case then I agree. However, I don't believe it stems from Western culture but from a culture of consumerism. Capitalism often receives the blame though I believe it is our lack of discipline as a society. Out consistent drive of want - material items, money and power. Religion, be it Catholicism, Protestant, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism etc..., teaches to lead a far simpler life; Buddhism strives to be content; minimalist.

Does capitalism thrive if everyone in society reduces their wants, focusing more on their needs and being content with their current belongings? I would think so, though it would look much different with current economic measurements needing drastic revisions.

Is religious belief required to move society in this direction? Not necessarily. Though deep, open philosophical and theological discussion is required. Agnostics, atheists and religious individuals need to be able to discuss matters, find similarities in their beliefs - how they guide their lives.

Since the millennium we have all become aware of our differences, but not our similarities. Division consistently drives our lives which will increase the stratification of Western culture. A main area being reduced is Western Civilization history and thought. It would be hard to argue the United States was founded on ideas outside Western civilization which goes back to Greek and Roman thought, but this is now seen as a negative.

In the end we need to have open discussions, be aware of our history, both the positive and negative aspects and understand the negatives that happened in the US have happened all around the world and still occurring. In the end I believe spiritual discussion and reformation is required to reset society will maintaining freedom of religion being of the utmost importance.

[mrguyorama]

Isn't it impossible to have a "rational" discussion of metaphysics or the supernatural, by definition?

[walterbell]

Have you encountered the SF writings of R.A. Lafferty? He was greatly influenced by Augustine & Aquinas. His writing seamlessly blended science, history, theology, philosophy, metaphysics and speculative fiction.

>Currently in the US we are losing our sense cultural understanding

Season 1 of Sleepy Hollow has much commentary on this topic, from the perspective of a "lost founding father" who reawakens in modern day America.

[riot504]

I have not heard of him, but I will certainly check him out. I will also looking into Sleepy Hollow. Thank you for the recommendations.

[walterbell]

Some links and an interview that mentions Aquinas: http://www.sanduskyregister.com/story/201501160010