Why Religion Matters

Paper Summary:

This paper shows how Smith, in his book, reflects on the continuing importance of religion. Smith organizes his reflections against three distinct human ages, the traditional, modern, and the post-modern. Smith rails that many people in the post-modern age are neglecting religion with disastrous consequences.

From the Paper:

"Smith borrows heavily from Plato's allegory of the cave when he discusses how the postmodern age views religion. The culprit in Smith's account is science, which keeps us from seeing what is outside the cave -- the traditional concept of the Divine. Science or scientism forms the floor of this cave, since science has presented itself as the only form of truth. The left wall of the tunnel is higher education, which has departed from its religious roots. The roof of the tunnel is the media, which highlights and distorts religious conflict between the church and state. The right wall is the law, which Smith argues has constantly ruled in favor of alienating religion from society. Courts have made it illegal to teach creationism theories in public schools. Courts have also made it difficult for people to freely practice their religion. For Smith, this is tantamount to ruling in favor of atheism."

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