| There are still countries that practice coercion of conscience, yes, and one is not perfectly free from social influence, even in the States. But there is a substantial degree of freedom, even within many mainstream denominations. I remember when a friend went to seminary at Drew University, nominally affiliated with the Methodist Church. Hardly anyone really believed in the creeds, and one professor was defensive about admitting that he did. Thus, it is possible to have outward conformity and inward rebellion, even in small Southern towns. As for the smorgasbord, that is part of the point of New Age beliefs, isn't it?: one takes a Native American ceremony over here, sits zazen over there, reads the Tibetan Book of the Dead (introduction by Carl Jung), and still goes to communion on Sunday...... |
