Can You Be a Good Person WITHOUT Belief in God? w/ Rod Dreher

Rod Dreher's "Living in Wonder" explores the resurgence of spiritual and mystical experiences in a technologically advanced, secular world. The book delves into the concept of 're-enchantment,' examining how individuals are seeking deeper meaning and connection beyond traditional religious institutions. Dreher discusses various phenomena, including UFOs, AI, and the occult, as manifestations of this spiritual yearning. He argues that while these experiences can be genuine, they must be understood within a Christian framework to avoid potential dangers. Ultimately, the book advocates for a return to a more profound and direct experience of faith.

In this seminal work, Hannah Arendt explores the historical and philosophical roots of totalitarianism. The book is structured into three essays: 'Antisemitism', 'Imperialism', and 'Totalitarianism'. Arendt examines the rise of anti-Semitism in 19th-century Europe, the role of European colonial imperialism, and the emergence of totalitarian movements in Nazi Germany and Stalinist Russia. She argues that totalitarianism is a novel form of government that differs from other forms of political oppression by its use of terror to subjugate mass populations and its aim for global domination. The book also delves into the mechanics of totalitarian movements, including the transformation of classes into masses, the role of propaganda, and the use of terror to maintain control.

In 'Submission', Michel Houellebecq presents a dystopian vision of France in 2022 where an Islamic party, led by the moderate Ben Abbas, comes to power in an alliance with the Socialists. The novel follows François, a middle-aged literature professor at the New Sorbonne University, who is an expert on J.K. Huysmans. As Islamic law is instituted, François is offered academic advancement on the condition that he converts to Islam. The book delves into themes of personal decadence, the decline of Western civilization, and the complexities of human happiness through submission. It is a darkly comic masterpiece that blends realism and fantasy, prompting reflections on the current cultural climate of the West and the validity of its liberal, atheistic project.

In 'Live Not By Lies', Rod Dreher warns American Christians about the dangers of what he terms 'soft totalitarianism', a form of totalitarianism that relies more on psychological manipulation than overt violence. Drawing on the experiences of Christians who lived under Soviet rule, Dreher provides practical advice on how to identify and resist this form of totalitarianism. The book outlines a method for resistance: SEE (acknowledge the reality), JUDGE (assess reality in light of Christian truth), and ACT (take action to protect truth). Dreher emphasizes the importance of spiritual preparation, family, church fellowship, and a willingness to suffer in order to resist the encroaching ideology.

In 'Dominion,' Matthew Scully presents a comprehensive and eloquent case against the mistreatment of animals. The book delves into various aspects of animal suffering, including factory farming, hunting, whaling, and laboratory experiments. Scully challenges the notion that humans have unlimited dominion over animals, as suggested by biblical interpretations, and argues for a moral and compassionate approach to animal treatment. He draws on both religious and scientific perspectives to make his case, emphasizing the importance of empathy and the recognition of animal consciousness and suffering. The book is a call to action for reform and a plea for human benevolence and mercy towards animals.

Alasdair MacIntyre's "After Virtue" is a highly influential work in moral philosophy that critiques modern ethical theories and proposes a return to virtue ethics. MacIntyre argues that modern moral philosophy has lost its way, leading to a fragmented and incoherent understanding of morality. He traces the historical development of ethical thought, identifying the decline of virtue ethics and the rise of emotivism and other relativistic approaches. MacIntyre proposes a revival of virtue ethics grounded in the Aristotelian tradition, emphasizing the importance of character development and the cultivation of virtuous dispositions. His work has had a profound impact on contemporary ethical debates, inspiring renewed interest in virtue ethics and its application to various social and political issues.