211 – The Social Justice Religion with Tracing Woodgrains
May 1, 2024
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Tracing Woodgrains argues social justice progressivism is a vital religion, contrasting with Christianity. They discuss the historical evolution of religious beliefs, the intersection of social justice and progressivism, and unintended consequences of past advocacy. The conversation explores measuring the value of life, engaging with diverse opinions, promoting rationality, and the interplay of science, poetry, and beauty.
Social justice progressivism is categorized as a new vital religion, uniting people through activist theory and moral narratives.
The decline of traditional religious influence in society has led to the rise of social justice progressivism, which categorizes society into oppressor and oppressed groups.
The aggressive rhetoric and certainty of new atheism paved the way for fervent activism in social justice progressivism, reshaping societal values and discourse.
Deep dives
The Evolution of Public Beliefs and Practices Post Gay Marriage Legalization
The successful fight for gay marriage united various groups under a common cause, marking a turning point in societal values and activism. Following this, the energy and organizations needed a new focus after the goal was achieved. This shift saw a rise in emphasis on movements like trans rights, feminism, and racial injustice, each vying to become the new rallying point within the progressive landscape.
The Shift Towards Social Justice Progressivism: Replacing Religion with a New Framework
As traditional religious influence waned in American society, the void was filled with social justice progressivism, a decentralized belief system drawing from academia and activist theory. This ideologically driven framework categorizes society into oppressor and oppressed groups, fueling a more intense activism to combat systemic injustices and redefine moral narratives.
Impact of New Atheism on Public Discourse and Values
The brashness and certainty of new atheism, while distinct from social justice progressivism, set a rhetorical tone in public discourse. Differing from traditional religious values, new atheism challenged the status quo with its aggressive stance, influencing the way certainty and assertiveness were perceived in subsequent ideological movements.
Unforeseen Consequences of Ideological Shifts: A Reflection on New Atheism's Legacy
Reflecting on the legacy of new atheism, there is a recognition of unintended consequences as traditional religious influences diminish. The aggressive rhetoric and certainty championed by new atheism set the stage for heightened assertiveness in social justice progressivism, resulting in a fervent activism that transformed societal values and public discourse.
The Importance of Finding Joy in the Merely Real
Richard Feynman's perspective on finding wonder in the universe is highlighted. The concept that nothing is 'mere' is explored, emphasizing the profound beauty in real, ordinary things. The notion that worshiping the mysterious is actually venerating one's ignorance is presented, challenging the desire for inexplicable phenomena. The post concludes by celebrating scientists as those who revel in the real universe's ordinary wonders.
Celebrate the Fascination with Reality
The post elaborates on the ability to find joy in everyday phenomena without craving mystery or fictitious elements. It underlines the richness of the real world and the potential for fascination within the realms of science and mundane experiences. Emphasizing the capacity to cherish the ordinary and the profound, it showcases how curiosity in the real universe can lead to a fulfilling and enriched life.
“Social justice progressivism (SJP) is the first time most people—including most Christians—have encountered a truly vital religion,” argues Tracing Woodgrains. We dive into this. LINKS The Twitter Essay we’re discussing Tracing Woodgrains on Twitter Tracing Woodgrains’s SubStack Trace’s piece on … Continue reading →
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