Political or Civic Religion for a Trans-Ethnic Society (*)
In an earlier essay I presented some explanations for the remarkable degree of religiosity that can be observed in the USA, and contrasted this with the high degree of de-Christianization that has occurred in Europe over the past half century or more. In subsequent commentary, Thomas Bertonneau (TB) agreed with a basic tenet of that article, i.e. the crucial rejection of the concept of a state religion by the 18th century Founding Fathers of the American Republic:
“To the extent that men like Washington and Jefferson were religious, they leaned toward Deism. In character, they are opposite types to the Puritan theocrats. The Constitution, while acknowledging the religious element of the society that it proposed to bring to order, nevertheless established a secular – and in particular a non-sectarian – polity. If we believed the myth that the American beginning is in Massachusetts, then the Constitution would necessarily be a deliberate break with the New England continuum. I argue that this is so.” (TB)
This provides the basis for some further reflection on the essence of the American ‘civic religion’ that the “Virginia Gentlemen” (TB) among the American founders intended, and that could possibly continue to supply guidance for any trans-ethnic society.
Greece: The Virtual Cow Is Dead
1. After having penned what began as an abstract principle, an insight emerged. Current occurrences in Iran’s internal politics fit handily the generalization that is presented below. Radical movements like to assure their followers that, once they have power, they will realize the perfect society. Doing so implies a break with history’s pattern. A trivial consequence is the inclination to make the moment of the take-over into Year One of the New Era. (As did the French Revolution of 1789.) After its dawn, all will live for a higher end and do so in the bliss of freedom while enjoying material plenty.
France: Banning the Burka? Perhaps. Monitoring the Internet? Definitely
The situation in France worsens every day. If the old notion that “something has to give” has any meaning, it does not apply to France. Not yet anyway. France is inert and headed for some kind of implosion unless the adrenal glands are reactivated.British Conservatives Support Hard Line Islam
In August, Lord Sheikh, chairman of the Conservative Muslim Forum (CMF), and Mohammed Amin, the CMF’s vice chairman, attended the launch of Iqra TV, founded by Al-Khair. According to the CMF website, after he had had made a presentation, Lord Sheikh gave a check for 5,000 pounds(approximately 8,000 US dollars) to Al-Khair for the establishment of a library. Al-Khair runs Islamic schools (in Britain and Kashmir), a prison outreach program, and hosts speaking and cultural events, including some that are “interfaith.”
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