[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?