Do we Need God? – The Loss of God and the Decay of Society
Nov 1, 2023
auto_awesome
This podcast explores the role of religion in society and discusses the decline of organized religion and its consequences. It also delves into the concept of God and the potential dangers of idolizing man-made gods. Additionally, it highlights the therapeutic role of religion in providing meaning and structure in life.
Religion provides a sense of meaning, compassion, and moral sensibility to individuals and societies.
Individuals can cultivate their own religious practices and have a profound sense of harmony and connection with the divine.
Deep dives
The Importance of Religion
Religion has played a significant role in societies throughout history, with the majority of people believing in some form of God and practicing some form of religion. Religion is the attempt to connect with the divine and find harmony with the supernatural. It is a multifaceted and universal phenomenon.
Understanding the Concept of God
There are two conceptions of God: the lowercase god, defined as a divine being who rules over the universe, and the uppercase God, representing the ground of all being. The uppercase God is beyond rationalization and is often referred to as the divine, the sacred, or the ground of being.
The Role of Religion in Cultivating Connection with the Divine
Religious rituals and practices help individuals establish a connection with the divine. These practices are not limited to organized religions, and individuals can cultivate their own practices. The religious experience, characterized by a profound sense of harmony and connection with the divine, can bring meaning, compassion, and a moral sensibility to individuals and societies.
“Over half a century ago, while I was still a child, I recall hearing a number of older people offer the following explanation for the great disasters that had befallen Russia [in the 20th century]: ‘Men have forgotten God; that’s why all this has happened.’” Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, 1983 Templeton Address Is secularization a sign […]