Beyond Idols
The Shape of a Secular Society
Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Sociology, Marriage & Family
| Author: | Richard K. Fenn | ISBN: | 9780190286736 |
| Publisher: | Oxford University Press | Publication: | June 21, 2001 |
| Imprint: | Oxford University Press | Language: | English |
| Author: | Richard K. Fenn |
| ISBN: | 9780190286736 |
| Publisher: | Oxford University Press |
| Publication: | June 21, 2001 |
| Imprint: | Oxford University Press |
| Language: | English |
This book attempts to articulate the nature of a secular society, describe its benefits, and suggests the conditions under which such a society could emerge. To become secular, argues Fenn, is to open oneself and one's society to a wide range of possibilities, some interesting and exciting, some burdensome and dreadful. While some sociologists have argued that a "Civil Religion" is necessary to hold together our newly "religionless" society, Fenn urges that there is nothing to fear--and everything to gain--from living in a society that is not bound together by sacred memories and beliefs, or by sacred institutions and practices.
This book attempts to articulate the nature of a secular society, describe its benefits, and suggests the conditions under which such a society could emerge. To become secular, argues Fenn, is to open oneself and one's society to a wide range of possibilities, some interesting and exciting, some burdensome and dreadful. While some sociologists have argued that a "Civil Religion" is necessary to hold together our newly "religionless" society, Fenn urges that there is nothing to fear--and everything to gain--from living in a society that is not bound together by sacred memories and beliefs, or by sacred institutions and practices.
