Hi James M. Clark Professor of Psychology 204-786-9757 204-774-4134 Fax [email protected]
>>> Michael Smith <[email protected]> 12-Sep-10 9:51:44 AM >>> ... Although, unlike James, I think the reason that Western society has 'evolved' beyond barbarism (at least institutionally) and enshrines human rights and freedoms is not in spite of Christianity, but a major part of that development is because of it. JC: I agree with Mike but I think that extracting what was good in Christianity (do unto others, caring for weak) and leaving behind (somewhat) what was questionable (an eye for an eye, burning heretics) may have depended on some loosening of religion's hold on people so that they did not feel compelled to following blindly its edicts. It would be interesting to know historically over what time period changes occurred in attitudes toward religion and its components (e.g., bible). When, for example, did people first start entertaining seriously the idea that the bible could be viewed as a figurative document rather than one to be taken literally? Not that the latter attitude isn't still present in some people and prevalent in some Christian nations. In the survey of Africans I mentioned previously, a majority of both Christians and Muslims tended to view their religious text as a literal document. I'll be teaching about the rôle of religion in enculturation in my culture and psych class in a few weeks. I've been increasing that material over the years (not much in the text), in part because religion is so central to people's lives in many parts of the world. It will be interesting to see if some of these current events are brought up by students, and if so, what they say. Take care Jim --- You are currently subscribed to tips as: [email protected]. To unsubscribe click here: http://fsulist.frostburg.edu/u?id=13090.68da6e6e5325aa33287ff385b70df5d5&n=T&l=tips&o=4753 or send a blank email to leave-4753-13090.68da6e6e5325aa33287ff385b70df...@fsulist.frostburg.edu
