On the contrary, the decline of mainstream, particularly Christian, religious affiliation in the West has made room for a proliferation of alternative and, arguably, irrational beliefs to fill the void. We have exchanged one age of unreason for another” (Quotes, 11 October). We have spiritual needs, relating to meaning and value, just as we have material needs, relating to food and shelter. These foundational principles are effectively religious “dogmas” in all but name, whether aligned to a particular faith tradition or not. The choice is not, as those who share the unexamined assumptions of secular humanism seem to think, between rationalism and religion.

Source: The Times January 03, 2025 12:33 UTC