Religious studies scholar Joseph Blankholm discusses the complexities of defining religion and the historical origins of atheism and secularism. The podcast explores the connection between conversion and ethics, the need for morally intensive communities in secularism, and a psychological problem in secularism. It also delves into the intersection of secular, spiritual, and religious beliefs through a multigenerational study.
Religion defies easy categorization and requires a nuanced and flexible approach to understand its diverse manifestations.
Secular individuals often have a dualistic approach to religion, simultaneously rejecting and embracing aspects of religious traditions.
Secular communities need to prioritize shared moral purpose and values-based organizing to create meaningful and impactful communities for individuals.
Deep dives
The Problem of Defining Religion
The podcast episode explores the challenges and limitations of defining religion. The guest, Joseph Blankholm, an associate professor of Religion Studies, explains that religion is a complex and multifaceted concept that defies easy categorization. He argues that imposing rigid definitions on religion can limit our understanding and overlook the diverse ways in which people engage with and understand religious beliefs and practices. By acknowledging the historical and cultural context of religion, Blankholm advocates for a more nuanced and flexible approach to studying and defining religion.
The Paradoxical Relationship of Secularism with Religion
Blankholm discusses the paradoxical relationship between secularism and religion. He points out that secular individuals often have a dualistic approach to religion, simultaneously rejecting religious beliefs and practices while embracing certain aspects of religious traditions. He suggests that the perception of religion as a negative force can arise due to shared cultural norms and biases, leading secular individuals to define themselves in opposition to religion. Blankholm argues for a more nuanced understanding of secularism, acknowledging the diverse ways in which people engage with moral, ethical, and communal aspects that can resemble religious experiences.
The Importance of Morally Intensive Communities for Secularism
The conversation delves into the significance of morally intensive communities for secular individuals. Blankholm emphasizes the need for secular communities to go beyond mere intellectual agreement and foster shared moral purpose. He explores the challenge of creating such communities and the importance of values-based organizing that extends beyond individualistic beliefs. The discussion touches on the struggle of movement secularism to address the ethical dimensions of community and the contrast between belief-based clubs and values-centered communities. Blankholm highlights the potential for morally intensive communities to address social issues and create a sense of belonging and purpose for secular individuals.
The Secular Paradox: Exploring the Intersection of Atheism and Religion
The podcast episode delves into the concept of the secular paradox, which represents the challenge of being non-religious yet resembling religion under Christian conditions. The speaker highlights the historical roots of atheism and its connection to Epicureanism. Atheism, in its modern form, emerges as a blend of neo-Epicureanism and scientific empiricism. The tension between rejecting religion and embracing a positive philosophy is at the core of the secular paradox. The speaker argues that atheism has its own tradition, rooted in an empiricist epistemology and sense-based ethics tied to pleasure and pain. The episode explores debates within the atheist community, such as the relationship between atheism and ethics, and the ability to have robust ethical frameworks as a non-religious individual.
Navigating Ethical Questions within the Atheist Community
The podcast episode delves into the ethical dilemmas faced by the atheist community. It highlights a case study where an atheist organization was offered significant funding under questionable conditions, including opposition to proselytizing in Latin American countries. The discussion revolves around consequentialist and categorical imperative approaches to ethics. Various perspectives emerge, such as prioritizing the greater good or adhering to principles. The episode addresses the complexity of ethical decision-making within the atheist community and the need for nuanced discussions. It also examines the challenges of drawing boundaries between different subsets of atheism based on philosophical views and values.
My guest this week is Joseph Blankholm, a religious studies scholar and associate professor at UC Santa Barbara. We discuss his recent book The Secular Paradox, where he unpacks several internal conflicts facing secular community organizers. We get into the nature of religion, the secular mindset, and how movement secularism might be able to grow past this seeming paradox.