"I object to those who casually dismiss and denigrate what others regard as sacred, especially traditions which have endured for millennia. I consider
such behavior incompatible with enlightenment. I consider myself neither Christian, Jew, Hindu, Moslem, Buddhist, etc. but I would never reach for
ridicule or belittlement in discussing those faiths. At one point I would have, but that is not now who I am. "
You assume you are seeing people casually dismiss- perhaps it is not casual at all, that is a large assumption to make. And you know what they say about assumptions. You refer to traditions which have endured, yet there is also a tradition of skepticism which has endured- and yes, often dismisses mysticism (but no casually). You "would never reach for ridicule or belittlement"- and yet, some of the best writings on skepticism do ridicule religion- by pointing out the absurdities inherent in it. Satire, too, is a great art form that is frequently turned on the church- and imo is no way incompatible with enlightenment, if there is such a thing. |
