It seems pretty clear to me that even where religion itself is in decline, people are drawn to ideologies that serve much the same psychological and social role of religion. Namely a simplistic and emotionally-satisfying model for how people should behave, the division of people into the sinners and the saved (us vs them, oppressors vs oppressed, etc), and the use of shaming and other coercive techniques to bring others into line with the belief system.
As for this school, they're clearly preaching a backwards and intolerant message. However, the passionate calls to shut them down and silence them betray a certain hypocrisy. It's troubling to trace the arc of liberalization in our society, from the moralizing conformity of traditional conservatism a century ago, to the individualistic liberalism of the late 20th century, to a new orthodoxy and conformity around social issues.
Genuine tolerance is remarkably rare. We seem to have very strong innate impulses to condemn and shame anyone who breaks ranks with social norms.
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Originally Posted by fotze
If this day gets you riled up, you obviously aren't numb to the disappointment yet to be a real fan.
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Last edited by CliffFletcher; 03-27-2017 at 09:05 AM.
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