Secularism Flashcards
What did Freud believe about religion’s psychological impact?
He believed religion was a form of neurosis, causing repression and psychological illness.
What is Freud’s concept of religion as wish fulfillment?
Religion fulfills deep psychological desires, particularly the longing for parental protection.
How does Freud compare religious belief to childhood?
He argued that belief in God is like a child’s dependence on a father figure.
What is Freud’s theory of religion as an infantile illusion?
Religion helps people cope with fears of death and suffering, but it is ultimately an obsessional neurosis.
How did Freud explain religious conversion experiences?
He linked them to the Oedipus complex, arguing that religious experiences are psychological rather than divine.
How did Freud believe society should progress regarding religion?
He believed reason and science should replace religious belief for a healthier society.
What are the main criticisms of Freud’s view on religion?
Not all religious experiences are neurotic (Keith Ward).
Religion provides meaning and community rather than repression.
Wish fulfillment can be a positive force, fostering creativity and inspiration.
What is Dawkins’ main argument in The God Delusion?
He argues that belief in God is irrational and that atheism is the only reasonable position.
Why does Dawkins reject religious explanations for life?
He believes evolution explains life without requiring a “God hypothesis.”
How does Dawkins define religious belief?
He describes it as a delusion—a false belief held despite evidence to the contrary.
Why does Dawkins criticize the idea of “non-overlapping magisteria” (NOMA)?
He argues that all beliefs, including religious ones, should be subject to scientific inquiry.
How does Dawkins view religion’s impact on children?
He sees religious indoctrination as a form of psychological child abuse.
What are some examples Dawkins gives to show religion’s harm?
Hell houses in the U.S., religiously motivated violence, and the suppression of scientific knowledge.
How do critics respond to Dawkins’ claims about religion?
Many argue that faith and reason can coexist (McGrath).
Religion is not inherently violent—Jesus taught peace.
Science and religion can complement each other.
What does Eagleton argue about religion’s contribution to culture?
Religion has inspired art, literature, and architecture in ways secularism cannot replace.
Why does Eagleton criticize secular capitalism?
It prioritizes profit over morality, weakening social values.
What does Eagleton say about the root cause of fundamentalism?
He argues it stems from anxiety rather than hatred, as people fear the loss of their values.
What does Eagleton see as the two extreme reactions to secularism?
Western secular atheism fears religion.
Religious fundamentalism fears secularization.
What does Eagleton predict about the future of secularism?
He believes secularism struggles to replace religion and is ultimately doomed.
What is Taylor’s critique of secularism?
He argues that secularists assume religion naturally disappears with progress, which he calls a “subtraction story.”
Why does Taylor believe the Western world is unusual in its secularism?
Historically, belief in God has been the norm, and Western secularism is an exception.
What does Taylor say is a weakness of secular humanism?
It overemphasizes individualism and weakens communal bonds.
What does Taylor mean by “self-sufficing humanism”?
A worldview where humans seek fulfillment without God, but he finds it deeply unsatisfying.
How does Taylor argue we can experience the “fullness of life”?
He believes true fulfillment comes from spirituality and a connection to the divine.
Procedural secularism
The state is neutral but allows religion in public life.
Programmatic secularism
Religion should be completely removed from public institutions.
What is secularization?
The process of removing religious influence from society and institutions.
What is the secularization thesis?
The argument that religion is declining due to modernity, science, and rational thinking.
What are the main criticisms of the secularization thesis?
Religious belief persists, even if institutional religion declines.
New spiritual movements continue to emerge.
Religion may have been more of a social expectation in the past rather than a deep commitment.
What does Dawkins believe about faith schools?
He argues they isolate students and fail to teach proper science.
What are arguments in favor of faith schools?
They provide moral and spiritual values.
They foster strong community ties.
Many do not require religious adherence for entry.
How does the U.S. approach church and state?
The U.S. Constitution separates church and state but allows religious freedom.
How does Britain differ in its approach to religion in government?
The Church of England remains linked to the state, with bishops in the House of Lords.
What are dominionists?
They believe the U.S. should be governed according to biblical law.
What is procedural secularism’s argument against programmatic secularism?
Procedural secularists argue that removing religion entirely is undemocratic and restricts religious voices in society.
