A Social Hydraulic Braking System: Why A Secular Society Needs to Slow Itself

What are the pros and cons, the benefits and the costs, of secularization? We take Jose Casanova’s work in the sociology of religion as a point of departure.

 

Our show pushes back against the unexamined, often unconscious ways that we frame public questions using political or economic modes of thinking. We aim to be part of a growing association of people who are critical of the narrowness of political and economic categories, and who want to revive a vision of human flourishing that is grounded in the wisdoms of theological and moral philosophical tradition. We see these habits and ways of thinking as being pre-political, and foundational to a healthy and civil shared life in families, communities, economies, and polities.

 

In short, we want to create a community that is grounded in curiosity, going deep, and shining light.

 

Let us know your thoughts and reflections on our Facebook Page: @whatingods.

 

Our email: whatingods@ribeye-media.com.

 

Learn more. Our website: www.whatingods.com.

 

Here are timecodes to help you navigate through today’s show:

 

00:55     Chris and Shayna take a minute to name what they love, what their passions are, that move them to make What In God’s Name: conversation; how ideas manifest in the world; faith traditions; the American idea. Which of these passions do you resonate with? What passions do you bring to listening?

 

06:22     Secularization is the process whereby spheres of human activity become increasingly disconnected from religion. What are the benefits of secularization? What are the costs? If religion is privatized, what tools do we have for asking and answering questions about what makes a good society?

 

13:29     How does the way that most journalism is practiced today feed into our inability to be reflectively critical of where we are? Do you think Chris’ metaphor of the lobster pot is apt? 

 

15:30     How does Danielle Allen’s quote illuminate the problem of privatized religion?

21:21     What makes a good human life? What makes a good society? Where can we ask and answer these questions?