This change is also bad news for America as a whole: Participation in a religious community generally correlates with better health outcomes and longer life, higher financial generosity, and more stable families—all of which are desperately needed in a nation with rising rates of loneliness, mental illness, and alcohol and drug dependency.
This is the problem statement of the article. Seems like we could push for systems that address these issues without the belief in a puppet master in the sky as a prerequisite.
So do it then. Using discussion amongst religious people re how their communities might better serve all involved to take a swing at belief in the Divine is sloppy and lazy thinking. It might provide you and your kin with a moment of “Yeah, that’s telling them” catharsis but surely you can come up with a better and healthier way to nourish your own community.
Ok, cut the end off my reply. We need funding and initiatives that apply to society at large, not only those involved in the church.
Or more like, we need MANY initiatives which will reach many different people. Relying on governments or council-based organisations (I used to work in community education centres in the UK, so first hand experience here) will reach some. Religious communities will reach others. Same with voluntary organisations and charities. Our societies are in such a mess we need ALL of it.
You see the need, so use the essay as inspiration for trying to find ways to reach more people rather than slapping off a cheap and tired dig. That’s just one more bit of damage and we need the opposite right now.
