Reductio ad absurdum. I think this article does an excellent job at summing up New Atheist arguments and why they don’t hold up well in defense of their positions. It does often appear that New Atheists are of the absurd belief that ceasing religion entirely will not bring about any possible negative consequences. Or at least they are not compelled to ponder such possibilities. I will have to do some reading up on A.C. Grayling.
https://www.firstthings.com/article/2010/05/believe-it-or-not
Glória in excélsis Deo
et in terra pax homínibus bonæ voluntátis.
Laudámus te,
benedícimus te,
adorámus te,
glorificámus te,
grátias ágimus tibi propter magnam glóriam tuam,
Dómine Deus, Rex cæléstis,
Deus Pater omnípotens.
Dómine Fili unigénite, Jesu Christe,
Dómine Deus, Agnus Dei, Fílius Patris,
qui tollis peccáta mundi, miserére nobis;
qui tollis peccáta mundi, súscipe deprecatiónem nostram.
Qui sedes ad déxteram Patris, miserére nobis.
Quóniam tu solus Sanctus, tu solus Dóminus, tu solus Altíssimus,
Jesu Christe, cum Sancto Spíritu: in glória Dei Patris. Amen.
O ALMIGHTY God, who alone canst order the unruly wills and affections of sinful men; Grant unto thy people, that they may love the thing which thou commandest, and desire that which thou dost promise; that so, among the sundry and manifold changes of the world, our hearts may surely there be fixed, where true joys are to be found; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
China has always been rather hostile to anything that could constitute radical change or cause civil unrest. It surprises me to hear that China has not interfered with the church growth in recent years but it does not surprise me that people are drawn to it. The message of Jesus is powerful and can resonate with people in a troubled society like mainland China. The western church would do well to support these churches both financially and spiritually.
Its rather disappointing to see the faith being weaponized by politicians who clearly wouldn’t care otherwise given France’s stance on open displays of religious fervor. Personally I am not sure who I would pick of the three front runners but their personal faiths and stances on religion are likely not going to sway me. I would venture to guess that any meaningful discussion of Christianity and the Catholic faith are not going to be had. I do think the ever growing reach of Islam though is in a sense revitalizing Catholic identities even if its simply national identity and not religious practice.
Religion emerges in secular French politics as presidential campaign heats up
Acerbity [əˈsɜːbɪtɪ] 