God is Back: How the Global Revival of Faith Is Changing the World, 
by John Micklethwait and Adrian Wooldridge argues against the secularization thesis and claims that there is a global revival of faith with the "free market" approach to religion observed in the USA being successfully employed in many places especially China.
Was fascinating hearing an atheist who regularly argues on the side of religion. Wish Id' been able to go to the panel discussion today at the Auckland Writer's & Readers Festival.
Wooldridge quoted or referred to Alexis De Tocqueville several times and applauded the structure of American society in the separation of church and state, saying it was better for both religion and society to function in vibrant and healthy ways.
He used Iraq as an example of government ignoring religion at its peril. With little regard to the Sunni-Shia worldviews, the US painted all Muslims with the same brush and are still reaping the consequences. Religion does matter. It, as does culture, shapes values, worldviews, alliances and responses.
To be human is to hold within us a spirit that differentiates us from all else. Therefore, to be human is to be spiritual. Policies and policymakers must take that into consideration or sit around scratching their heads when things don't succeed despite of their very best planning, consultations, studies and best intentions.
Watch for more on this book and topic this week.
by John Micklethwait and Adrian Wooldridge argues against the secularization thesis and claims that there is a global revival of faith with the "free market" approach to religion observed in the USA being successfully employed in many places especially China.Was fascinating hearing an atheist who regularly argues on the side of religion. Wish Id' been able to go to the panel discussion today at the Auckland Writer's & Readers Festival.
Wooldridge quoted or referred to Alexis De Tocqueville several times and applauded the structure of American society in the separation of church and state, saying it was better for both religion and society to function in vibrant and healthy ways.He used Iraq as an example of government ignoring religion at its peril. With little regard to the Sunni-Shia worldviews, the US painted all Muslims with the same brush and are still reaping the consequences. Religion does matter. It, as does culture, shapes values, worldviews, alliances and responses.
To be human is to hold within us a spirit that differentiates us from all else. Therefore, to be human is to be spiritual. Policies and policymakers must take that into consideration or sit around scratching their heads when things don't succeed despite of their very best planning, consultations, studies and best intentions.
Watch for more on this book and topic this week.
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