Fortified by a few gulps of coffee, I will try to summarize the lost post.....
Religion is, culturally, a way of solemnizing certain occasions, such as marriage and death, of drawing together as a community in the face of adversity, and of celebrating our good fortune when it is particularly notable. It seems to me that the non- denominational "civic religion" that had grown up in the United States was a pretty good way of accomplishing the cultural task of religion on public occasions where it was inconvenient to repair to our separate churches, synagogues, mosques, or temples.
It seems to me a kind of phillistinism not to be able to appreciate the place of religious observance at least to that extent, and therefore roll with it. After all, should a favorite niece get married in the Church, would you refuse to go, or insist on making overt demonstrations of alienation and hostility while there?
Now, that is different from prayers sessions and the like, to be sure. However, it will always be the case that being good at your job will be the most decisive factor in promotion, not "pull", especially when there are newspapers and review boards to complain to. Additionally, being at close quarters with the boss can be fraught with peril, if, for example, he gathers that you are using something he takes seriously as an occasion to suck up. Finally, there are too many legitimate reasons to decline to participate to be subject to particular scrutiny for failing to volunteer, like family obligations consuming time.
This is enough for now, before some glitch gets me. Other points can come up as discussion moves along...... |
